Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.