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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.