Derek Gee speaks out: “I am facing a damages claim that exceeds 30 million…”

After months of silence, Derek Gee has spoken out about his current situation with Israel-Premier Tech, the team from which the Canadian rider wishes to terminate his contract. The team had already made public statements on the matter, and now the cyclist himself has done so as well, releasing an official statement on his social media accounts.

Many topics were addressed — both the reasons that led him to request to be released from his contract, including some “personal” ones, and the Israeli team’s current damages claim against him, amounting to over 30 million euros. The case is currently in the hands of the UCI arbitral tribunal. Here is Derek Gee’s statement:

“I would like to address and clarify some speculation regarding my current situation, following recent public statements made by my former team that my case is currently with the UCI arbitral board.

I know many people have been expecting an update, and while I cannot comment on any ongoing proceedings, I feel it is very important to share my side of the story.
I terminated my contract with just cause, as it is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances.
This decision was not taken lightly – it followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team, both from a safety and personal-belief standpoint that weighed heavily on my conscience.

But what moves me most is how, when human issues are involved, money becomes the headline; money was not the issue that led to my termination. Leaving has meant the risk of having no team or protection if I get injured without contract. It is a risk I was – and am still willing – to take, as I was simply unable to continue racing for the team.

I understand the team sees it differently, and that this will be for the competent authorities to decide; however, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and as a person.

These are not the kind of numbers, or the kind of situation, any athlete expects when they dream of becoming a professional cyclist, and I believe it flies in the face of the very values that sport seeks to uphold. These actions are also a reflection of the very issues that led to the breakdown of the relationship to begin with.

It strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts”.

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