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

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.