Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
