🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Massive Claim and Team Changes "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual." He shared that this situation strengthens my belief 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. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.