🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.