EMMAUS, PA (BRAIN)—Bicycling editor-in-chief Peter Flax has announced several key hires and promotions to the magazine’s editorial team, designed to enhance Bicycling’s print and online content, preparing the magazine for a comprehensive redesign in spring 2011 and enlarging the brand’s vision to speak to all cyclists in a distinctive and authoritative voice.
Joining Bicycling are two individuals: executive editor Leah Flickinger and gear editor (and Category 2 cyclist) Andrew Bernstein. In addition, Michael Yozell has been retained as a mechanic for the brand. Two current team members have also received new titles and promotions – Lou Mazzante will serve as the new articles editor, while Christine Mattheis has been promoted to online editor. All positions will be effective by the end of November; Flickinger, Mazzante and Mattheis will report directly to Peter Flax, while Bernstein and Yozell will report directly to editor-at-large Bill Strickland, according to a press release.
“By adding these highly talented editors to our already outstanding staff, we’re committing the resources and personnel necessary to become a bigger, better, nimbler brand, elevating Bicycling’s standing as the world’s largest cycling magazine,” said Peter Flax, Bicycling editor-in-chief. “In conjunction with Bicycling’s 50th anniversary, our redesign issue in the spring will demonstrate Bicycling’s new look and feel, and our commitment to delivering the best, most creative cycling journalism possible.”
As executive editor Flickinger will be responsible for developing and editing Bicycling’s soon-to-be-redesigned front-of-book section, as well as editing and influencing feature stories. Joining from Rodale’s Women’s Health magazine, where she served as deputy editor, Flickinger has more than 15 years experience editing magazine and books, including co-writing two books. She is also an avid cyclist, and has competed in numerous triathlons over the past few years.
Assuming the role of articles editor Mazzante will now lead all print and online mountain biking content for Bicycling, while also providing broader editorial support to Bicycling.com and writing, editing and guiding various feature stories. Prior to Bicycling, Mazzante served as the editor of Bike magazine, and executive editor and managing editor of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
Bernstein joins Bicycling as the new gear editor. Working in tandem with test director Matt Phillips, Bernstein will be responsible for conceiving, creating and producing Bicycling’s gear review pages, one of the most widely read parts of the magazine and Web site. Bernstein has extensive background in sports and cycling journalism; he recently worked as the sports editor at the The Saratogian newspaper, and has been a regular contributor to VeloNews, Embrocation Cycling Journal, and Cyclocross Magazine. Bernstein is a passionate cyclist; he’s worked at bike shops, is a Category 2 racer and has even worked as a promoter of various cycling events
In her well-deserved new role as online editor Mattheis will continue to work on Bicycling.com, playing an integral role in assigning and developing content, managing the editorial calendar, overseeing Bicycling’s round-the-clock Tour de France coverage, and contributing and editing print stories. Joining Bicycling more than three years ago, Mattheis also provides hands-on execution for Bicycling’s newsletters and Facebook and Twitter feeds, and in 2009 she contributed to a Bicycling story that won a National Magazine Award.
Bicycling has also retained the services of Yozell, who will serve as the mechanic for the brand. Yozell will be highly involved in testing and reviewing gear, and providing his mechanical services. Yozell has nearly three decades of mechanic experience, including managing two premier bike shops in Philadelphia, and working as a mechanic for the Scott/BiKyle Flyers pro cycling team. For the last 20 years Yozell has been a competitive cyclist, winning a master’s national championship in mountain biking and reaching the podium at cyclocross nationals.
