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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for comment.

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

Substantial Demand 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 financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was correct, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum during their racing years.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.