🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. 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 when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.