🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Damages Claim After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Underlying Reasons Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before 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 if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts. He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years. In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.