🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." 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 cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.