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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

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

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.