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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter 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 admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement 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 throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.