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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their duties 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 principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

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.