Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions

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

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after 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 mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

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 just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.