🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.