🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.