Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – 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 the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
