🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Termination Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated 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 stated on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over 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 departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.