Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief'

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent 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 connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.