Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

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. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel 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 left him without an agreement 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 recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.