🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Termination Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.