EMMAUS, PA (BRAIN)—Peter Flax has been named editor-in-chief of Bicycling and editorial director of Mountain Bike. He took over today.
Flax, who for the past three years has served as an executive editor of Runner’s World, replaces Loren Mooney, who has resigned from Rodale to pursue other opportunities, according to a press release. Mooney started as Bicycling’s executive editor in April 2004, and moved to editor-in-chief September 2008.
Flax will report to David Willey, SVP/editor-in-chief, Runner’s World and Editorial Director, Bicycling and Running Times, and he will be based in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
“Peter is a uniquely talented editor and accomplished cyclist who understands the importance of service journalism, ambitious storytelling, and superb design and photography—the bedrock values of a successful magazine,” Willey said. “His high-level experience working at two ambitious vertical Rodale brands has deepened his understanding of and connection to readers of all levels, from newbies to the rabid core. He will bring added editorial excellence to Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines, and we are looking forward to seeing him take these brands in new and exciting directions.”
Prior to joining Runner’s World, Flax was executive editor at Backpacker, where he helped lead a redesign and reconceptualization of the magazine, playing a key role in three National Magazine Award wins, including one for General Excellence in 2008. Flax also worked as a senior staffer at two Time Inc. titles, Health and Hippocrates magazines.
Flax has been cycling passionately for more than two decades. He has biked cross-country and has raced road bikes for the past five years. He has also written for Bicycling since 2004.
