🔗 Share this article

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

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