Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with 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 emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee acknowledged that departing from the team 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 Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
