🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending 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 end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.