Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear 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 they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
