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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows 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 in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance 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.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.