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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments 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 only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team 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.