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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial damages claim totaling €30 million 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 Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech 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 terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

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 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.