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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was correct, 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 just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.