Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.