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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed 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. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.