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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting 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 terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit 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. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract 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 his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they were unable 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 their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that this situation 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 €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.