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

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.

"I ended my contract with just cause, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his moral judgment, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. Reuters also reached out to the UCI for comment.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

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

He expressed that these developments strengthens my belief that departing the squad 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 just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.

In related news, the team stated earlier this week that they would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.