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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance 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 governing body for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.