Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement 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 sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.