Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite 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 amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
