Here’s a bold statement: Trust is the backbone of journalism, and when it’s compromised, everything crumbles. But here’s where it gets controversial—what happens when a publication you rely on falls short of its own standards? That’s the question we’re grappling with today.
As the new Managing Editor of Velo, I stepped into this role in 2025 with a clear mission: to build the most reliable, engaging, and insightful road and gravel cycling publication in the industry. This isn’t just a job; it’s a responsibility I take to heart. Great journalism thrives on a dynamic community of writers, testers, and creators, all united by a shared commitment to integrity. At Velo, we’ve established rigorous editorial guidelines to uphold this promise, and we deeply respect our peers and partners in the cycling world.
And this is the part most people miss—transparency isn’t just about celebrating successes; it’s about owning up to mistakes. Recently, we discovered that several articles on our site failed to meet our standards for originality, violating our zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism. After a thorough internal investigation, the individual responsible is no longer part of our team. Instead of sweeping this under the rug, we’ve chosen to update the articles with an editor’s note, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
Why does this matter? Because the cycling community deserves better. Your trust is our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to earning it every day. The steps we’ve taken are just the beginning of our ongoing effort to maintain the highest quality in everything we do. Our team is dedicated to journalistic integrity, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honesty and openness.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: How do publications rebuild trust once it’s been broken? Is transparency enough, or does it require more? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going—because at Velo, we’re not just reporting on cycling; we’re part of the community, and your voice matters.
