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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

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

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.