Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.