Cycling news 2025L Derek Gee facing lawsuit from Israel

Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is facing a $54 million damages claim from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech, after he ended his contract citing "safety and personal beliefs."

The 28-year-old Gee, who finished fourth overall at this year's Giro d'Italia, quit Israel-Premier Tech just before September's Vuelta a Espana.

That race saw pro-Palestinian protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Advertisement

READ MORE: 'Put that to bed': Daicos ends 'Pies exit speculation

READ MORE: Cricket Australia CEO 'open' to global BBL expansion

READ MORE: Autumn Boy completes rare third-gen Caulfield Guineas treble

"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person's right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee said in a statement on social media on Friday.

"This decision was not taken lightly — it followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team, both from a safety and personal-belief standpoint that weighed heavily on my conscience."

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not comment as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, cycling's governing body.

Reuters has also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee explained that leaving the team meant he was without a contract or protection if he were injured, but he called it a risk he was willing to take, as he could no longer continue racing for them.

"I understand the team sees it differently... However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30 million ($54 million AUD) - for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person," he said.

"It strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts."

It is unclear what the $54 million figure represents, as professional cyclists typically earn only a fraction of that amount.

Israel-Premier Tech announced last week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from its Israeli identity after more than a decade.

Click here to read article