Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.