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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech 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 agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of the UCI, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.