Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, 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 a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Massive Claim and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."
He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief 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. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
