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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his choice to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to serious concerns about competing for the squad from both a safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as an athlete and a person."

He shared that these developments strengthens my belief that leaving the team was correct, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.