🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced 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 under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.