🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.