🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine 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 continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post. He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.