🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered 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 issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take 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. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of 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 throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.