Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.