Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

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 experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling 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 a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

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

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