🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces 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 based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection 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 Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.