Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions

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 decision to terminate his agreement based on 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 Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad 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, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.