Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after 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 weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team 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 has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.