🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €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 described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. 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 they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.