Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive 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 "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, 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 the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.