🔗 Share this article

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

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

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.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.