Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from 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 Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
