Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter 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 acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront 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 individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.