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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, 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.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.