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Rider Alleges Neglect, Poor Health Support in Cycling Team
30 Oct
Summary
- Rider's health worsened, experiencing hormone deficiency and RED-S.
- Allegations of substandard medical support and being told to train injured.
- Team facing independent inquiry into its culture and rider treatment.
Esmée Peperkamp, a former rider for Picnic-PostNL, has publicly detailed serious concerns regarding the team's management and support structures. She alleges that her health significantly declined during her tenure, citing "substandard" medical care and claims of being instructed to train while injured. Peperkamp also revealed that contractual clauses prevented riders and staff from speaking out, even after their departure.
She believes the team was negligent, stating riders felt unheard and had decisions made for them that were detrimental. Peperkamp, now with VolkerWessels, has been diagnosed with RED-S and a hormone deficiency, which she contracted during her time with the team, impacting her menstrual cycle since 2021. She contends this could have been prevented with adequate monitoring.
Further allegations include a lack of support following a concussion in 2024 and struggles with team-provided nutrition due to lactose intolerance and IBS. These issues led to severe nausea and vomiting, yet she was reportedly told to "get used to it." The team has appointed a lawyer to lead an independent inquiry into its culture.
Picnic-PostNL acknowledged the allegations, stating they regret any negative experiences and will conduct an independent investigation. However, they declined to comment on individual cases due to anonymity and privacy concerns, emphasizing their policy to safeguard all team members.
