Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving 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 keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
