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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added 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 went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.