Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
