Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, 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 emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, 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 a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
