🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on 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 demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – 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 correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech 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.