Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following 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 from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."
He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of 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 only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
