Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
