Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, 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 during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
