Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
