Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance 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. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
