Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
