Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

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

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

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.