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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated 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 noted that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing 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 a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.