Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed 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 moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite 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 only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.