Picnic PostNL leadership addresses allegations of unsafe team culture

Incoming sporting director Roy Curvers has rejected claims of a “culture of fear” or a “dictatorship” within Team Picnic PostNL following investigations by NOS Sport and In De Waaier. While Curvers denied experiencing a controlling environment, he admitted the organization must “look in the mirror” to improve after a poor 2026 campaign and internal reassessments.

Former rider Warren Barguil also addressed the allegations, stating he does not recognize the description of the team as a toxic environment. Barguil noted that if the management had been poisonous, he would not have returned to the team for a second stint. He emphasized that while the team has rules and duties, his experience was one of professional structure.

The investigation into the WorldTour organization included allegations regarding a lack of contact with trainers, limited room for employee input, and negative attitudes toward riders becoming fathers.