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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

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

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

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

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

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