🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Agreement Ending Due to Personal Convictions Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual." He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite 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 only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.