Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract 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 his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
