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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.