Picnic PostNL rider defends team amidst allegations of toxicity, fear, and abuse: 'All relevant perspectives must be taken into account'

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 time 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 really took its toll on me.” And: “If you voice criticism, you’re pushed out.”

"We have taken note of the reports by NOS Sport and In de Waaier regarding Team Picnic PostN," the team itself stated in response. "The stories from (former) riders and (former) staff members featured in those reports have touched us. At the same time, we do not recognise ourselves in the overall picture painted in the reports."

"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."

Degenkolb spoke out on Monday. “After a week’s vacation, I feel it’s important to share my personal perspective on the NOS investigation with you. In my sixteen years as a professional with Picnic PostNL, I have never experienced a ‘culture of fear’—neither before nor after my deliberate return to the team in 2022.”

"Critical voices must be heard and taken seriously. However, for a fair and balanced assessment, all relevant perspectives must be taken into account," said the German. "Our team consists of about 160 employees, including approximately 60 drivers per season. With a team history spanning 18 years, there are certainly 71 people who have had negative experiences—but are those the only experiences?"

Finally, Degenkolb addressed Zonneveld and Boers, whom he also tagged. “Why were voices like mine and those of many others left out of the study?”