Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue 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 their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.