Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes 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.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
