Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.