Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
