Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
