🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim After Agreement Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings 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. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.