Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces 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."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

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

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.