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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, after placing fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. That race was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer continue racing for the team.

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 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 leaving the team was correct, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

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

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.