🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.