Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
