🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.