🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual." He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.