🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces €30m Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input. 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 accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person." He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech 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.