Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros 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."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns 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 cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted 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 was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
