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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces 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 due to what he called "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract 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 the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.