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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement 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, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear 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 they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.