Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing 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 financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain 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 the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.