🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice 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 factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes 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. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.