🔗 Share this article

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial 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 "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize 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 around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.