Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.
Official Stance and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.
Massive Claim and Rebranding News
"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.
