🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to 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 in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad. 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 said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.