🔗 Share this article

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

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