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

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment.

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

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

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

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.