DURANGO, Colo. (BRAIN) — Cycling media veteran Mark Gouge is joining Australia-based CyclingTips.com as its North American sales director.
CyclingTips, which recently merged with BikeExchange, is expanding in the U.S. The website recently hired former VeloNews editor in chief Neal Rogers and technical editor James Huang, who is joining from BikeRadar.com.
Gouge spent six years at VeloNews in ad sales, then joined ConsumerReview four years ago, selling ads for MTBR.com and RoadBikeReview.com. Gouge will work for CyclingTips from his home in Durango starting Feb. 1.
Gouge said,"I love the mountain bike space, but this new venture that Cyclingtips is forming is very compelling. We wanted to put together an editorial dream team like this with MTBR and RoadBikeReview, but the timing was never right. As soon as I heard about this opportunity, I wanted in. (CylingTips founder) Wade Wallace has the credibility, the vision and strategy that really pulled me over. Some cycling fans in the U.S. may not have heard about CyclingTips yet, but they will."
Wallace said, "We were looking for the ideal person to be able to think creatively, offer brands innovative ways for promotion, and who knows the media and cycling industry landscape. As I got to know Mark I had no doubts of his ability and how he will fit this role perfectly. He's a massive part of our success plan."
Rogers said CyclingTips will be sending editors to U.S. events such as NAHBS, Sea Otter Classic, Amgen Tour of California, Tour of Utah, USA Pro Challenge and Interbike, among other events. He expects to announce more editorial hires this year.
