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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment 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 governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech meant being without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim 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 – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.