Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic 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 cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.