Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding 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.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
