Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," 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's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite 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 sum during their racing years.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.