Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
