Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work 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's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
