Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim 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 the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.
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 following over ten years.
