🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.