Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 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 described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
