Team boss Iwan Spekenbrink responds to the commotion. He doesn't say that many new things. Mostly repeats the statements previously given by his underlings Kemna and Winston. And sticks to the familiar dogma's.
Some quotes (slightly edited Google translate):
“We don't want to have to manage too many negative things. Commitment is one of our main pillars. And that is not only a right, but also an obligation. But to come back to your opening question, it can therefore be perfectly possible that a rider has a history [of being less commited], before they leave. That a line has already been crossed.”
“In all team sports, there are times when an athlete is dropped from the roster or even pushed for an outbound transfer to protect group dynamics and the passion to deliver. Usually those moments are valuable and even contribute to the development of the athlete. But sometimes not, and then we know and accept that it will end in an exit.”
“It's easy to just give someone what they want and keep the athlete happy that way. But above all we want to keep the entire group satisfied, that strives for a common goal. That is why we occasionally draw such a line. So in essence it is no different than in all other team sports, but in cycling it is indeed a bit more unusual.”
Are you also self-critical if a year – such as 2021 – has not been good?
Spekenbrink: “We question ourselves every day. That is our performance model. To be clear, we have no doubts about our philosophy. But then there is also the implementation. Then we wonder whether we have explained it correctly. Whether everyone is in the right place. Of course we make mistakes. Fortunately, not everything goes perfectly. Because how are you supposed to get started the next day?”
Full interview in Dutch:
https://www.wielerflits.nl/nieuws/i...streng-op-zijn-is-respect-hebben-voor-elkaar/