🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with 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 in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.