Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team 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 arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

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

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.