🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated 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 personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.