Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.