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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he faces a massive legal demand totaling 30 million euros from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread pro-Palestinian protests linked to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee continued. "However, I now confront 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 expressed that this situation 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 30 million euro claim covers. Professional cyclists usually make only a fraction of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their Israeli identity following over ten years.