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

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

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. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing 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 expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.