Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
