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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.