🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs." 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 his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.