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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his conscience, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and individual."

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

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.