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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

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

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing 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 reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view 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 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, 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.