🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Agreement Termination Due to Personal Convictions Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.