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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit 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. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement 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 not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

The team told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what is described as 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 shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

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

Separately, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.