Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

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

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.