🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.