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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial 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 described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"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 around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.