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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive 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 called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.