Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
