Author Archives: Whit

About Whit

My experiences might easily fit many cycling fans' definitions of “living the dream.” Since getting hooked on the sport watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship, I've raced as an amateur on Belgian cobbles, traveled Europe to help build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux. As a former assistant director sportif with Mercury-Viatel, I've also seen the less dreamy side of the sport – the side rife with broken contracts, infighting, and positive dope tests. These days, I live with my lovely wife in Pennsylvania and share my experiences and views on the sport at Bicycling Magazine, the Embrocation Cycling Journal, and at my own site, Pavé.

Monday Musette – Belgians on the Move

There’s been a bit on my mind lately, which means it’s the perfect time to dust-off the Monday Musette. (Please excuse my rusty drivetrain.) 1. Perhaps like many of you, I’ve been scratching my head at Sep Vanmarcke’s decision to leave Garmin-Sharp after his contract expires at the end of the season. This is certainly … Continue reading

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Tour de France 2012 Team Preview: Vacansoleil-DCM

I wonder how badly Vacansoleil regrets Thomas DeGendt’s decision to schedule his wedding during this year’s Tour de France after his incredible stage victory and third-place finish in the Giro d’Italia. But life must go on and Vacansoliel has a Tour de France to complete—with or without the team’s exciting Belgian star. Like several teams … Continue reading

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Tour de France 2012 Team Preview: Saxo Bank-Tinkoff

Someone asked me if it’s harder to write previews for the teams with the best or the worst chances to make a big impact on the race. Let me illustrate the answer to this question with Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank’s roster for the 2012 Tour de France: Jonathan Cantwell Juan Jose Haedo Karsten Kroon (1 Tour … Continue reading

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Tour de France 2012 Team Preview: Team Sky

Well, I had to go through 19 teams to get here, but I’m finally at the squad that I think will be taking the yellow jersey back to its service course on Monday, July 23rd. First, let me say on record that I was wrong about Bradley Wiggins (in my defense, I wasn’t alone). I … Continue reading

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Tour de France 2012 Team Preview: Saur-Sojasun

Despite failing to win a stage last year, Saur-Sojasun was likely invited back to this year’s Tour de France for the simple reason that the team contains one of the most promising your French stage racers not named Pierre Rolland. I’m referring of course, to Jerome Coppel. Coppel finished 14th in last year’s Tour de … Continue reading

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Tour de France 2012 Team Preview: Radio Shack-Nissan

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for RSNT so far this year as injuries, poor results, abandons, and a new doping investigation have the team limping into the Tour de France. That said, there are still some bright spots on a team that could perform better than the drama surrounding it might indicate. Let’s take … Continue reading

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