Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive 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 keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Ongoing Case
The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters 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 stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
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 financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
