🔗 Share this article Canadian Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Termination Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement with just cause, 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 came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel 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 meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years. In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.