Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
