Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
