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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee explained in a social media post.

He noted that the decision was carefully considered and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Official Stance and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech told Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency has also contacted the governing body for their input.

Gee admitted that leaving Israel-Premier Tech left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he accepted as he could no longer continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers.

Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.