🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with 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 explained in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input. 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 was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.