🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.