Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, 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 added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
