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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand 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 reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.