Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.
He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable 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 factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.
Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes 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 announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
