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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada 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 due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, departed from Israel-Premier Tech just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work in the current situation," Gee stated in a social media post.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his moral judgment, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is currently before the arbitration panel of the UCI, the sport’s governing body. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee admitted that departing from Israel-Premier Tech meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments.

The basis is uncertain what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.