Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right 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 carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation 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.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.