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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to 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 in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him 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 Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make 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, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.