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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing 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 extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.