🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 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 Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter 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 governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.