Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee 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 follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered 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 factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.