Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

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

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s 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 for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with 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 meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief 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. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.