‘It affects me deeply’ - Emotional Kemna shaken by Picnic PostNL allegations as Dutch cycling federation considers further action

Rudi Kemna has admitted he is deeply shaken by allegations of a toxic working environment at Picnic PostNL, describing the revelations as difficult to comprehend and painful on a personal level.

Speaking to WielerFlits at the Eneco Tour on Thursday, the experienced sporting director responded to an investigation by NOS and cycling podcast In De Waaier, which gathered testimony from 71 current and former employees.

The investigation alleged an atmosphere of fear, excessive control and intimidation under team manager Iwan Spekenbrink and Kemna, with several former employees describing lasting psychological consequences.

"I am deeply upset," Kemna said. "I sympathise with everyone we have apparently caused serious trauma to. I am astonished, but it affects me deeply."

"What also hurts is how our team, Iwan and myself personally, are being portrayed. We try to lead this team in the best possible way, with safety as a priority."

Among the strongest accusations came from former rider Martijn Tusveld, who described becoming afraid to express his opinions after questioning race tactics during the 2020 Giro d'Italia.

Tusveld subsequently struggled with his mental health and revealed that he had experienced thoughts of self-harm.

Former coach Adriaan Helmantel, meanwhile, claimed the organisation had become a "dictatorship" following Tom Dumoulin's 2017 Giro d'Italia victory.

Kemna firmly rejected those characterisations.

"I know the stories and the examples. But when people talk about a culture of fear or a dictatorship, I can barely bring myself to say those words. I don't recognise myself in that at all."

The Dutchman insisted that his experience of cycling's past had strengthened his determination to create a healthier sporting environment.

"I come from that culture. Many of you know what cycling was like in the old days. That is precisely what we don't want. We don't want people being forced to do things they don't want to do just to improve performance."

One allegation concerned Kemna's reported reluctance to allow someone within the team to work with a psychologist.

He denied obstructing access to psychological support, explaining that such decisions belong to the medical department.

"If someone says they want to see a psychologist, I tell them to go to the doctor. Our doctor is qualified to assess that. I cannot determine whether someone needs a psychologist."

Asked whether the team actively supports riders seeking psychological assistance, Kemna insisted that it does.

"We have a medical staff, and several people within the team already work with sports psychologists or receive whatever support they need. That is facilitated."

Despite rejecting the allegations' overall portrayal of the team, Kemna acknowledged that management could not simply dismiss the experiences described.

"The most important thing is that I find it terrible that people have experienced this. We didn't recognise it, we didn't see it, and we can hardly believe it. But apparently it is there. Otherwise, they wouldn't say these things."

He also addressed Tusveld's account, questioning how it aligned with the rider's decision to remain at the team for several seasons.

"I genuinely believe Martijn is a nice guy. That's how I know him. What I find difficult to understand is that he worked with us for several years and clearly indicated that he wanted to stay."

Kemna said he had replied to an email from Tusveld and invited him to discuss his concerns, but received no further response.

"If this is how people have felt, we have to listen. I would really like to enter into dialogue."

The controversy has also prompted a response from the Dutch cycling federation (KNWU), which described the allegations surrounding Picnic PostNL as "very concerning" and confirmed it is examining whether further action is necessary.

"The experiences described by riders and staff deeply affect us and must be taken seriously," said Wouter Bos, chairman of the KNWU's supervisory board, in an official statement. Bos stressed the importance of a thorough, independent investigation and called on anyone who has experienced inappropriate behaviour, abuse of power or unsafe conditions to come forward.

Picnic PostNL has already announced its own independent investigation, while title sponsors Picnic and PostNL have also called for a thorough examination of the allegations according to WielerFlits. 

The KNWU is now examining whether further action is necessary in light of the investigation's findings and any additional reports of inappropriate behaviour or unsafe working conditions. The federation's potential involvement adds another layer of scrutiny to a team already facing uncertainty surrounding its WorldTour licence beyond 2026.