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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement due to what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that this situation strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, 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 sum during their racing years.

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