Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished 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. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.