🔗 Share this article

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

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

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

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 current Israeli branding following over ten years.