Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized 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 both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.