LARAMIE, WY (BRAIN)—Cycling journalist Charles Pelkey has moved his long-running “Explainer” Column to the Red Kite Prayer blog. His first column appeared on the site on Monday.
Red Kite Prayer is managed and published by fellow cycling journalist Patrick Brady. Pelkey is best known within the industry for his work at VeloNews, where he was on staff from 1994 until this past summer when he was laid off during a company downsizing. He continued to freelance "Explainer" to the VeloNews site until now.
“Look, I had a terrific run at VeloNews,” said Pelkey, “but maybe it’s just time to move on. I kinda feel like the kid who keeps coming back to his old high school after graduation. It’s probably best to focus on the future.
“I really have nothing but good to say about VeloNews, particularly the management team that offered me a remarkable opportunity to switch from a career in politics to covering the sport I love, way back in 1994.”
During his time at VeloNews, Pelkey covered classic races like the grand tours and Cyclocross Worlds. He also reported on some of professional cycling’s biggest story lines including the 1998 Festina Scandal and the formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Pelkey has nearly 30 years of journalism experience to his name, as well as being a former U.S. Senate press secretary. He is now an attorney specializing in bicycle-related issues with an emphasis on the sporting world’s efforts to control doping.
He will continue to post live race coverage on his own site, liveupdateguy.com, which is also fed to sites like NYVelocity.com and Red Kite Prayer.
Pelkey, who was diagnosed with cancer this past summer, is continuing to work as he recuperates from chemotherapy treatments.
“Charles insists his prognosis is good. As he recovers and gains his strength, RKP will give him a secure and professional platform to continue his work,” Brady said. “I’m honored to have a chance to bring his column to RKP and expect that as he recovers, he’ll be back to his old habits and offering more and more to our readers.”
Urban Velo Hires for Ad Sales
PITTSBURGH, PA (BRAIN)—Urban has hired Sarah Elizabeth to handle advertising sales and new client acquisition. Elizabeth’s industry experience includes sales, marketing and event promotion for Seagull Bags, B1 Bicycles and Performance Bicycle. She counts commuting, bike polo and alleycat racing among her favorite cycling disciplines, but she’s also an avid road, mountain and cyclocross rider. Elizabeth can be reached at sarahelizabeth@urbanvelo.org or at 412.354.0276.
