🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, 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 The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.