🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input. Gee admitted that departing from the team left him without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." 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 just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.