The investigation shaking the Dutch cycling world, with Team Picnic PostNL at the center of attention, has prompted the team led by Iwan Spekenbrink to respond to the accusations through an official statement:

We have taken note of the publications by NOS Sport and In de Waaier regarding Team Picnic PostNL. The accounts shared by current and former riders and staff members concern us. At the same time, we do not recognize ourselves in the overall picture presented in these publications.

The fact that experiences differ does not diminish the seriousness of the accusations that have now come to light. Therefore, we will commission an independent investigation into how our team culture is experienced in practice and to what extent it reflects the culture we work towards.

The team and our three promises
Since the team was founded in 2008, three promises have formed the foundation of our approach to professional cycling.

The first promise: fair, healthy and responsible sport. Our anti-doping policy is an important part of this promise. It is not just about what we communicate externally, but also about the mentality and ethical considerations that guide our decisions in practice.

The second promise: safe collaboration based on shared values. We want everyone within the team, both on and off the bike, to be treated with respect and to feel free to express an opinion, encourage one another, ask questions and raise concerns. Mutual commitment and integrity are fundamental to this, helping us create an environment where people can develop, perform and enjoy working together.

The third promise: continuity and job security. We have committed to doing everything possible to ensure the future of the team and, in doing so, preserve jobs within professional cycling.

While it may seem obvious, job security in professional cycling is quite another matter. The economic model of the sport is seriously broken: every year, several teams disappear, resulting in job losses. This has become almost normal, even though it should never be the case in a sport of this magnitude.

This is why we have been working to secure the team's future since 2008. Over the years, we have provided employment to hundreds of people.

The NOS investigation
NOS explains that they spent months trying to speak with current and former riders and staff members. As soon as we received indications that the investigation was underway, we offered to meet with NOS to discuss our philosophy and vision and to give the broadcaster the opportunity to speak with current team members and colleagues. NOS chose not to accept that offer. And we regret that.

Last Monday, they then gave us only a few days to respond to a series of questions, both in writing and on video. In response, we made several further attempts to speak with NOS journalists. These attempts were unsuccessful.

Independent investigation into team culture
In a performance-driven environment like professional sport, things can go wrong. This is why there are several ways for people within our team to raise issues and concerns. Riders have a personal coach, there is a Rider Committee, and staff members can turn to personal advisors. If people felt insecure within our organization or felt they did not have sufficient opportunities to raise concerns, we want to understand how this could have happened.

We are proud of what we have built since 2008 together with the many people who make up, or have been part of and associated with this team. For this very reason, we believe it is important to take a critical look at ourselves.

Therefore, we will commission an independent and professional investigation into our team culture. We will take its findings seriously and implement any improvements that may be necessary, out of respect for all those who are, or have been, part of Team Picnic PostNL.