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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken 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 conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.