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 Amstel Gold Race – Preview

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

  Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race officially opens the final week of the Spring Classics with 260 kilometers and 32 smooth, but absurdly steep climbs. The perfect transition from the cobbles to the Ardennes, Amstel offers a last chance for those who missed-out in Flanders and Roubaix, and a first opportunity for those who spent the … Continue reading →

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Pavé’s Newest Addition

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

On behalf of everyone at Pavé, I would like to welcome the newest member of our “team” as Sam Rauch entered the world yesterday! Sam, Mommy, and Daddy (Jeremy) are all doing well–although we have a feeling Dad did nothing but follow wheels until the end. At 9 pounds, 4.5 ounces, Dad’s hopes of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Featured, Musette | 5 Comments

Philippe Gilbert – Cancellara Part Deux?

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

  While watching the video of Philippe Gilbert methodically dispatching of Bjorn Leukemans to win Wednesday’s Brabantse Pijl, a thought occurred to me: is Gilbert about to become the Ardennes equivalent of Fabian Cancellara? In other words, has the Belgian displayed such superior form that it will be impossible for him to avoid the stalemate-inducing, … Continue reading →

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2011 Paris-Roubaix – Preview

Posted on April 8, 2011 by

  As excited as I am for Sunday’s race, I often feel a bit sad in the days leading-up to Paris-Roubaix as I know it signals the end of the cobbled classics campaign. That said, everything looks set for a terrific race Sunday—even if the “epic” conditions many crave don’t look to be in the … Continue reading →

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A Modest Proposal

Posted on April 6, 2011 by

  Does anyone else feel that Ghent-Wevelgem’s move to the Sunday before Flanders has left a gaping hole in the middle of the week between the Ronde and Roubaix? Ghent-Wevelgem used to be the perfect mid-Monument event, keeping the excitement high, the anticipation peaked, and offering the possibility for some intense racing from those teams … Continue reading →

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Monday Musette – Wrapping-up the Ronde

Posted on April 4, 2011 by

  Two Monuments down and two to go so far this spring—can it get any more exciting? Here’s what we saw during yesterday’s Tour of Flanders: 1. With his fantastic win yesterday, Saxo Bank-Sunguard’s Nick Nuyens joined the upper echelon of contemporary Belgian classics stars, adding the Ronde to a resume that already includes the … Continue reading →

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