Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
