Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

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

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

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

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech 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 comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.