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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance 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 went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.