🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Lawsuit After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.