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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.