Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken 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 weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.