Picnic-PostNL initiates investigation into alleged toxic culture

Picnic-PostNL will commission an "independent, professional investigation into our team culture" following a report in Dutch media revealing alleged toxic working conditions over recent years, which one former coach described as a "dictatorship". NOS Sport and In De Waaier uncovered the findings of their investigatory report on 15 October 2026, after speaking with 71 current or former employees who highlighted an alleged "culture of fear" and an "unsafe working situation" under sports director Rudi Kemna and team owner Iwan Spekenbrink.

In its statement, Picnic-PostNL stated, "we do not recognise ourselves in the overall picture presented in the publications," while also acknowledging the importance of a critical self-assessment following the reported findings. The statement continued, "The fact that experiences differ does not diminish the seriousness of the accounts that have now come to light. We will therefore commission an independent investigation into how our team culture is experienced in practice and to what extent it reflects the culture we strive for."

Retired professional rider Martijn Tusveld, who competed for the team for seven seasons, voiced that his standing changed after openly criticizing team tactics during the Giro d'Italia in 2020. He expressed his feelings of powerless and anxiety due to his past experiences, indicating, "I became anxious," and added that he refrained from voicing his opinions thereafter. Furthermore, the report paints a concerning picture of a shift in team culture, with former coach Adriaan Helmantel reflecting on the excess control of management following Tom Dumoulin’s Giro d'Italia victory in 2017, stating, "It became a dictatorship."

In a related report, former rider Nicolas Roche commented that the management style was unsuitable for cycling and that excess preparation for specific race stages was impractical. He stated, "I was pushed towards the exit" in 2021, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a sport full of uncertainties.

Picnic-PostNL concluded with a commitment: "We will take its findings seriously and implement any improvements that may be needed, out of respect for everyone who is, or has been, part of Team Picnic PostNL."