Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly 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 end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision 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 factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, 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 has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

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

Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.