🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement 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." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Substantial Demand 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 said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.