Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
