🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team 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 for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand 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 – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.