Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than 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. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.