🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. 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 said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.