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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his decision to terminate his agreement due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties in the current situation," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they were unable to provide a statement 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 comment.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without an agreement or protection in case of injury, but added 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 sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity after more than a decade.