Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
