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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling 30 million euros by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs."

Race Exit and Key Motivations

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine linked to the conflict in Gaza.

"I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their work in the current situation," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He noted that the decision was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from safety and ethical perspective. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he mentioned.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

The team told Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the governing body for comment.

Gee acknowledged that departing from the team meant being without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim said to exceed approximately €30m – simply for exercising my fundamental rights as an athlete and a person."

He expressed that these developments reinforce his view that departing the squad was the right decision, regardless of the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

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

Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a complete rebranding starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.