Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained 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, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.