🔗 Share this article

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being 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 Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, 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 these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.