Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.