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

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," 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, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief 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 only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.