🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. 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, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with 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 work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute 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 admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.