🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He noted that his choice 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 both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.