Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance 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. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
