Picnic PostNL boss breaks silence on fear culture allegations but stands firm on team philosophy

Picnic PostNL boss Iwan Spekenbrink has broken his silence over allegations of a culture of fear within his team, rejecting the suggestion that the organisation's working environment is fundamentally flawed.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Spekenbrink acknowledged that some former employees had negative experiences but challenged the wider picture presented in recent media reports.

"The 'culture of fear' around which the story has been built is misleading in my view," he said.

Spekenbrink pointed to former riders Marcel Kittel, Tom Veelers and Kirsten Wild, arguing that although they had expressed criticism, their accounts did not necessarily support the broader allegations.

"Yes, a number of sources have said that, and I regret it, because you always want a safe working environment for everyone."

The controversy erupted in October following an investigation by NOS Sport and cycling podcast In De Waaier, based on interviews with 71 current and former riders and employees. Former rider Martijn Tusveld described severe psychological distress during his time at the team, including thoughts of self-harm, while former coach Adriaan Helmantel criticised the management structure. 

Picnic PostNL subsequently appointed Dutch sports law professor Marjan Olfers to lead an independent investigation into the organisation's working environment. Its findings have yet to be published.

Despite the accusations, Spekenbrink insists the team's underlying philosophy will remain unchanged.

"We still believe in our way of working. Teamwork is our foundation, with respect for one another," he said.

He nevertheless acknowledged that the controversy provides an opportunity for reflection.

"At a moment like this, you have to reassess where you stand as an organisation."

"We don't shy away from mistakes, because everyone makes them, everywhere."

The Dutchman emphasised that approximately 160 people work within Picnic PostNL, including 60 riders, and acknowledged that individuals can experience the same environment differently.

"Things can go well within an organisation, but individual experiences may be less positive."

Spekenbrink also admitted the team could improve how it communicates expectations to new riders.

He explained that cyclists often arrive with personal trainers, nutritionists and established support networks, while Picnic PostNL expects them to embrace a collective performance structure.

"We will have to explain better how we view collaboration and sometimes say earlier that it isn't a match," he acknowledged.

That willingness to adjust communication does not, however, extend to abandoning the team's core philosophy.

"In our eyes, the difference is made by genuine teamwork."

The controversy has also affected those still working within the organisation, with Spekenbrink revealing that employees have expressed concerns about their future.

"I have had many employees on the phone in recent weeks who are worried about their jobs," he said.

The team boss acknowledged the personal impact of the allegations while stressing that difficult decisions are unavoidable in elite sport.

"Working in an elite sports organisation is not always enjoyable, because sometimes you have to disappoint people. Some deal with that better than others."

The situation comes during a challenging period for Picnic PostNL, which has struggled for results in 2026 and faces financial uncertainty surrounding its WorldTour licence.

Spekenbrink, however, dismissed doubts over the team's status at cycling's highest level for 2027.

"I assume we will have a WorldTour licence next year. That process is ongoing."

He admitted that the organisation must strengthen its finances to prevent promising riders from leaving for wealthier competitors.

"Since Covid-19, we've been operating in survival mode," he explained. "We will have to grow financially so that we don't immediately see our talents leave when they perform well."

Despite the sporting struggles, financial pressure and ongoing investigation, Spekenbrink remains convinced Picnic PostNL can recover.

"It is a difficult time now, but we will come out of this stronger."