Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "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, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated 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 serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that these developments 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. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.
