Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Ongoing Case
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take 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 financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.
