Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed 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 acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.