🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – 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 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 amount during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.