🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event 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. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.