🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with 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 work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.