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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.