Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand 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 called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed 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.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
