{
  "id": 15758844,
  "title": "I’m not surprised elite cycling has toxic cultures, but it makes me glad I’m not part of it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/im-not-surprised-elite-cycling-has-toxic-cultures-but-it-makes-me",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T14:40:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Cycling Weekly",
    "slug": "cycling-weekly",
    "url": "https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/im-not-surprised-elite-cycling-has-toxic-cultures-but-it-makes-me-glad-im-not-part-of-it"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two headlines from Cycling Weekly captured the attention of readers last week. One read \"British Cycling implements action plan after survey reveals toxic culture,\" while the other declared \"Picnic PostNL launch independent investigation after toxic culture reports.\" At first glance, these stories appeared to be about the same issue – elite sports teams facing criticism for their atmospheres. However, a closer look revealed some interesting parallels.\n\nBoth British Cycling and the Dutch team Picnic PostNL had been performing impressively recently. British Cycling had secured victories at the Track World Championships in Shanghai, winning six gold medals and topping the medal table. Picnic PostNL had claimed their first WorldTour race of the year, the Tour of Guangxi, with both the men's and women's teams performing well.\n\nThis contrast between success and alleged toxic cultures is not an uncommon phenomenon in elite sports. While the teams were excelling, it did not preclude concerns about their management styles and team environments. The investigations into their structures revealed that there were indeed questions to be addressed regarding an apparently demanding atmosphere. Some riders even admitted to considering self-harm, indicating that the line between pushing athletes and creating a toxic environment had been crossed.\n\nBritish Cycling, with its long history of producing world and Olympic champions, was no stranger to culture criticism. Picnic PostNL, despite their recent struggles, was also under scrutiny for a similar issue. The allegations of a poor climate at both teams were not surprising, but they were not acceptable either. Elite sports can be ruthless, and success often comes at a high cost. However, no one should have to endure an environment that is beyond the pale.\n\nThe fact that both teams were successful while also facing criticism is a testament to the harsh realities of elite sports. It is a reminder that teams can be both world-class performers and have problematic cultures simultaneously. The hope is that this experience will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting British Cycling and Picnic PostNL to take steps to ensure that such reports do not resurface in the future.\n\nWhile high-performance teams may not always be the happiest places, it is crucial to remember that the athletes competing at the highest levels are human beings too. They deserve a work environment that balances the demands of success with the well-being of the individuals involved. As spectators, we must strive to create a cycling culture that does not tolerate toxicity, ensuring that the athletes we admire can thrive in a supportive and healthy environment.",
  "summary": "British Cycling and Picnic PostNL both hit the headlines for workplace atmosphere last week, and they won’t be alone",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}