🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Over Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit 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 September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.