Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s 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 Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.