🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.