🔗 Share this article

Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended 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 a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.