Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
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.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
