🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated 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 major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person." He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount 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 Israeli identity following over ten years.