🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings 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. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.