Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.