🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection 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 has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.