🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. 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 would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.