🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual." He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.