Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 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 terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors 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 currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
