🔗 Share this article Former Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added. Official Stance and Ongoing Case The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment. Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.