Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing 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 damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.
In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.