Picnic PostNL respond to allegations of toxic and unsafe 'cult-like' environment: 'Experiences vary'

The NOS and In de Waaier—which released a four-part podcast series on the circumstances—conducted confidential interviews with 71 anonymous individuals involved in the matter, who work or have worked for the team as riders, staff members, or team managers.

People have been traumatised by their employment with the team, and there are reports of unsafe working conditions.

Several anonymous sources shared their stories. “It’s only safe for employees when you have a say, when you feel connected.” Other sources said the following: “They gave me the impression that they were complicated. And I held onto that feeling for a long time as my career progressed. I doubted myself for a long time. That experience really took its toll on me.” And: “If you voice criticism, you’re pushed out.”

The criticised team declined to comment immediately on questions, knowing that a statement would be released at 11 a.m. in response to the allegations.

"We have taken note of the articles published by NOS Sport and In de Waaier about Team Picnic PostNL. The stories of the (former) riders and (former) staff members quoted in those articles have touched us. At the same time, we do not recognise ourselves in the overall picture painted in the reports,” the team said.

"The fact that experiences vary does not detract from the seriousness of the stories that are now coming to light. That is why we will commission an independent investigation into how the team culture is experienced in practice and to what extent it aligns with the culture we strive to foster."

"Since our founding in 2008, three commitments have formed the basis for how we aim to pursue elite sports," the statement says.

"The first commitment: fair, healthy, and responsible sports. Our anti-doping policy is an important part of that. This commitment is not only about what we advocate, but also about the mindset and ethical considerations we apply in practice."

"The second promise: safe collaboration based on shared values. We want everyone on the team—both on and off the bike—to be treated with respect and to feel free to express their opinions, encourage one another, ask questions, and voice their concerns. Mutual commitment and integrity are central to this, as they form the foundation for an environment where people can grow, perform, and enjoy working together."

"The third promise: continuity and job security. We have promised ourselves to do everything we can to secure the team's future and thereby preserve jobs in the sport of cycling."

"Although that may sound obvious, financial security in cycling is anything but. The economic model behind the sport is seriously flawed. Every year, several teams disappear, resulting in job losses. This has almost become the norm, even though it should never be the case in a sport of this magnitude."

"That is why we have been working since 2008 to secure the team's future. Over the years, we have provided jobs to hundreds of people in this way," says Picnic PostNL, which also does not entirely agree with the NOS's approach.

"According to the NOS, it has been trying for months to speak with (former) male cyclists, (former) female cyclists, and (former) employees. As soon as we received indications about the investigation, we offered the NOS the opportunity to discuss our philosophy and vision with us and to speak with current team members and colleagues. The NOS chose not to engage in that conversation. We regret that."

"Last Monday, we were then given a few more days to respond to a number of questions in writing or on camera. In light of that as well, we made several attempts to engage in a dialogue with the NOS. To no avail."

"In a performance-driven environment like elite sports, things can go wrong. That's why our team offers several ways to raise issues and concerns. Riders have a personal coach, there is a Rider Committee, and staff members can turn to confidential advisors."

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"If people within our organisation have felt unsafe or have not felt they had enough space to voice their concerns, we want to understand how that could have happened," said Picnic PostNL, which concludes with a summary of the statement.

"We are proud of what we have built since 2008 with the many people in and around this team. That is precisely why we believe it is important to take a critical look at ourselves. That is why we are commissioning an independent and professional investigation into the team culture. We will take the findings seriously and implement any necessary improvements, out of respect for everyone who is currently part of—or has been part of—Team Picnic PostNL.”