🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted 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. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.