Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
