NOS Cycling•today, 12:16
Former cyclist Amy Pieters has gone to court over a dispute over her contract with SDWorx-Protime. According to Pieters, she had a contract for an indefinite period.
Pieters, now 32, suffered a serious fall at the end of 2021 during training for the national track team, resulting in permanent brain damage. She was in a coma for months and will never be the same again.
According to Nick Poggenklaas, Pieters’ lawyer, the core of the dispute is “how to interpret the contract”. “Is there an employment contract or not?”
Contract ended
Pieters, multiple world champion in track cycling and European road champion, rode for SDWorx-protime, formerly Boels Dolmans, from 2017. According to SDWorx, her contract was terminated on January 1, 2023, but that is also part of the legal discussion.
But Poggenklaas emphasizes that it is about more than just salary. “For example, it is also about being able to turn to the UWV for benefits. If you have a contract, that is possible. But if you are self-employed, that is not possible.”
It is not yet known when the case between Pieters and SDWorx-Protime will be heard. In any case, Poggenklaas is confident of a good outcome for Pieters. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have started it, but ultimately it’s up to the judge.”
