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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take 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. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.