Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance 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 international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing 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 shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.