🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to '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 follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, 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 these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.