Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."
Race Exit and Key Motivations
Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."
He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
