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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize 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 exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

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

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.