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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive 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 Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team 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 amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.