Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

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

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

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 the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.