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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

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

"I ended my agreement with just cause, as is every person’s right when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Official Stance and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

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

In related news, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.