Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'

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

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to 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 work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly 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 deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board 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 a contract or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.