🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Termination Over Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.