Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with 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 work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.