🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed 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 also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.