🔗 Share this article

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly 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 end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement 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 followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.