Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," 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 a professional and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding 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.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.