🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Confronts €30m Damages Claim Following Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to 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 under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team told 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 international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input. Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Team Changes "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete 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 organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.