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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.