🔗 Share this article

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to 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 his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team 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 sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.