Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team 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 for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
