Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
