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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 end his contract based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

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

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement 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, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.