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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront 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 this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.