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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit 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. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

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 cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

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

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.