Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to 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 I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
