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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

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

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue 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 meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but stated 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 recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.