Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 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."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

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

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

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

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.