🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to 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 duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered 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 ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract 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. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.