Canadian cyclist Derek Gee is embroiled in a contract dispute with the Israel-Premier Tech team, potentially facing damages exceeding $48.6 million. Despite the financial risk, Gee remains steadfast in his decision to terminate the contract, citing his inability to continue racing for the team. The 28-year-old from Ottawa took to social media to express his side of the story, emphasizing his termination was justified due to irreconcilable differences with the team principal and concerns regarding safety and personal beliefs impacting his conscience.
In response to Gee’s statement, Israel-Premier Tech briefly mentioned that the contract termination case is under review by the UCI Arbitral Board, refraining from further comment on the matter. The UCI, as the governing body of world cycling, oversees such disputes.
Israel-Premier Tech has faced recent scrutiny and protests, with a Montreal-based human rights organization urging Mayor Valerie Plante to bar the team from participating in a cycling event amid the conflict in Gaza. The team withdrew from races in Italy due to security issues and had its invitation revoked for the Giro dell’Emilia. As a result, the team announced plans to rebrand and distance itself from its Israeli identity, with Canadian-Israeli co-owner Sylvan Adams transitioning to focus on his role as president of the World Jewish Congress.
Despite the team’s assertion that Gee’s contract remains valid, the cyclist maintains his position, clarifying that his actions were not financially motivated but rather rooted in upholding his professional and personal rights. The dispute is now in the hands of the UCI and legal representatives for resolution.
Israel-Premier Tech, initially known as the Cycling Academy team before rebranding, boasts strong ties to Canada beyond Adams. Notable Canadian riders and figures within the team include Michael Woods, Hugo Houle, Guillaume Boivin, Riley Pickrell, Pier-Andre Cote, and Steve Bauer. Premier Tech, the team’s title sponsor, is based in Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, with key Canadian individuals involved in the team’s ownership and management.
Gee, who rose from Israel-Premier Tech’s academy to its WorldTour squad in May 2022, remains resolute in his stance amid the ongoing contract dispute.
