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.

2011 Tour de France Preview – Introduction

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

  After several years of writing Team-By-Team Tour de France previews, I want to do something different this year, as many of them tend to sound the same from one year to the next and—in many cases—from one team to the next. For example, Quick-Step’s team preview from last year’s Tour de France might very … Continue reading →

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Boonen to Quick-Step; Is Gilbert Next?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by

  With yesterday’s annoucement that Tom Boonen signed a 2-year contract extension with Quick Step, the next logical question surrounds whether or not Omega Pharma-Lotto’s Philippe Gilbert will join him. Boonen seems to have decided to ease any possible pressure heading into the Tour de France by signing now, while Gilbert is delaying his announcement … Continue reading →

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Monday Musette – Suisse Wrap-Up, Nats, and DiUltegra

Posted on June 20, 2011 by

  Here’s this week’s Monday Musette: 1. The Tour de Suisse wrapped-up yesterday, officially closing the books on the pre-Tour campaigns of many of this year’s favorites. Radio Shack’s Levi Leipheimer took a page from Bradley Wiggin’s playbook in winning the 9-day event. The American lingered at the top of the standings all week, finishing … Continue reading →

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Hushovd, Farrar, & Haussler – Is Garmin’s Tour Picture Becoming More Clear?

Posted on June 14, 2011 by

  With Thor Hushovd’s win Tuesday at the Tour de Suisse and Tyler Farrar’s relatively anonymous showing at the Criterium du Dauphiné, is it safe to expect Thor to be Garmin-Cervelo’s protected sprint captain in France? Heinrich Haussler’s just been announced as not riding–is Garmin-Cervelo’s murky Tour roster getting a bit more clear? Share your … Continue reading →

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Monday Musette РDauphin̩, Suisse, & Transfers

Posted on June 13, 2011 by

  Here’s this week’s Monday Musette: 1. The Criterium du Dauphiné—the first of two important pre-Tour stage races—wrapped-up yesterday with Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins taking the most impressive road victory of his career. While unspectacular, Wiggo’s win is an important morale booster for the rider and his team as both attempt to shrug-off a rather … Continue reading →

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Tour de Suisse – Preview

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

  Aside from the grand tours, the Tour de Suisse is probably the most prestigious national tour a rider can add to his resume. At nine days, it’s also one of the longest. And while some recent editions have tended to favor riders of a different sort, this year’s difficult parcours favors a true all-rounder—someone … Continue reading →

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