Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
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 comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team 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.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
