'It became a dictatorship' - Extensive report on alleged culture of fear leads Picnic-PostNL to launch independent investigation
Cyclingnews • • sports
Key Points:
- Dutch WorldTour cycling team Picnic PostNL will commission an independent investigation into its team culture following a media report alleging toxic working conditions and a "culture of fear" under management.
- The investigative report, based on interviews with 71 current and former team members, described a shift towards an authoritarian environment after key victories, with riders and staff feeling powerless to speak up.
- Former rider Martijn Tusveld shared his experience of anxiety and depression linked to the team's culture, while others, including former coach Adriaan Helmantel, labeled the management style as a "dictatorship."
- Picnic PostNL denied refusing to engage with media inquiries, stating they offered to discuss their philosophy and provide access to team members, but that these offers were declined by NOS.
- The team emphasized its commitment to fair sport, safe collaboration, and job security, and pledged to seriously consider the investigation’s findings and implement necessary improvements.
