Canadian Derek Gee finishes the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia. Photo: AFP
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee says he faces a damages claim of €30 million (NZ$60m) from his former Israel-Premier Tech team, after ending his contract over what he described as "personal beliefs".
Gee, 28, finished fourth overall at this year's Giro d'Italia, but left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September's Vuelta a Espana, which was subject to pro-Palestinian protests linked to the Israel-Gaza war.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person's right, when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee said on social media.
"This decision was not taken lightly - it followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team, both from a safety and personal-belief standpoint that weighed heavily on my conscience."
Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not comment on the matter, as the case was currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport's governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.
New Zealanders Corbin Strong and George Bennett are also pro-riders for Israel-Premier Tech.
Gee said leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or protection, if he were injured, but added he was willing to take the risk, as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
"I understand the team sees it differently," he said. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately 30 million euros - for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person.
"It strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts."
It is unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount.
On Monday, Israel-Premier Tech announced the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity, after more than a decade.
- Reuters
