Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly 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 ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
