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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling 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."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.