🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete 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 cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.