Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.