Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

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

Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.