🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.