Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
