Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
