Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
