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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team 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 has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.