🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed 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 deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. 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 if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.