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

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

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

He emphasized 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 safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

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