🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict 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 stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.