Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

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 September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.