Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
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. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
