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 – 5 Questions

Posted on September 6, 2010 by

1. With Igor Anton, Joaquin Rodriguez, and Vincenzo Nibali a mere two seconds apart from one another and the next-closest rider another 40-seconds back, has this year’s Vuelta already been reduced to a three-caballo race?  And of the three, who has the best chance to win? 2. Do Radio Shack’s new recruits (and the ominous … Continue reading →

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Weekend Preview – The Vuelta Heads for the Hills

Posted on September 3, 2010 by

The Vuelta d’Espana continues this weekend with two difficult stages in the regions of Alicante and Valencia.  Saturday’s 190-kilometer Stage 8 includes five categorized climbs on the way from Villena to Xorret del Cati—the toughest of which (the Cat. 1 Alto Xorret del Cati) summits a mere 4 kilometers from the finish.  While not particularly … Continue reading →

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Monday Musette – Vuelta, Garmin-Cervelo, and Metaphors

Posted on August 30, 2010 by

Here’s this week’s Monday Musette. 1. The 2010 Vuelta Espana kicked-off this weekend with a midnight team time trial through the streets of Seville.  By the end of the evening, Mark Cavendish was wearing the red jersey as leader of the race, after his HTC-Columbia team took the stage victory.  For HTC-Columbia, the win was … Continue reading →

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2010 Vuelta Espana – Team Preview

Posted on August 27, 2010 by

Admittedly, it’s been a slim August here at Pavé as work, family, and other obligations have led me astray from my regular schedule.  But with a new school year beginning—and my regular work week as well, I’m hoping to get back on track—beginning with a preview of the year’s final grand tour: the Vuelta Espana. … Continue reading →

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Weekend Preview – ENECO, Melinda, and Plouay

Posted on August 20, 2010 by

Here’s a quick run-down of this weekend’s major events: 1. The 2010 ENECO Tour continues this weekend with two longish stages in Belgium and the Netherlands.  Saturday’s 214.4km stage from St. Lievens-Houtem (Belgium) to Roermond (Holland) should be a good day for the sprinters, with few real difficulties on tap.  Look for Robbie McEwen and … Continue reading →

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Monday Musette – Vattenfall, ENECO, and Films About Flandriens

Posted on August 16, 2010 by

Here’s this week’s Monday Musette: 1. Tyler Farrar became the first back-to-back winner of the Vattenfall Cyclassics with his win Sunday.  Edvald Boasson Hagen and Andre Greipel took second and third, rounding-out what I had suspected would constitute the final podium (albeit in different positions).  The race went as planned for Garmin-Transitions—the team timed is … Continue reading →

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