Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with 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 duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
