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

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

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