Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement 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 stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
