Reuters: 11.24.09, 13:05 ETBreaking news today out of Kentfield, CA is that local racing legend Joshua Litwack has been unceremoniously dumped by his Whole Athlete team and had his contract abruptly terminated. Reliable sources have reported that Litwack was removed from the team website roster and had his team intranet access blocked, without rating even a courtesy call by team staff to inform him of the actions. A founding team member, Litwack had used his devastating sprinting ability to garner the team’s inaugural road racing win in 2008 but, due to familial obligations, had faded from competition in 2009 with only a Paskenta finish and two DFL cyclocross races to his credit.
In an official written statement released to the press, the Whole Athlete team management merely stated:
“Our commitment to developing junior racing programs is unchanged and the termination of Litwack’s contract has no bearing on our future plans. He was a non-factor to our team this year and he will not be missed. By the way, your saddle is about 2 centimeters too low. You should come in for a bike fit. They are a bargain at $200 but today only we are offering a special price of $235. Call for an appointment. Also…you’re riding too hard. Try to stay in Zone 2.”
This likely marks the end of Litwack’s USAC racing career as his relationship with the Whole Athlete team management had been strained throughout the season with
the team demanding far more commitment that Litwack was seemingly willing to give. As far back as their winter training camp, there were rumored differences of opinion between Litwack and WA team director Dario Fredrick that came to a head in April at the GP Ken Hushvod where Litwack raced in the livery of his former team, Dewars Racing. Tension has waxed and waned from week to week with an apparent reconciliation at the DFL Urban Outlaw event where Litwack raced both events in his Whole Athlete kit but obviously this was a short lived placebo effect.Reaction among the racing community was mixed but the overall tone was one of non-plussedness.
Ken Hushvod, (2009 Marin Roubaix champion and local cycling hero)
“Litwack is off the Whole Athlete team? I thought that happened last year? I don’t want to say I told you so but, well…I told you so. I doubt he’ll stay out of the spotlight for long. That guy craves attention like a runway model. I only wish I would beat him in a straight up sprint.”
Baen van der Standish, (Dewar’s Racing director sportif and former Litwack mentor)“Am I shocked? No. Am I the least surprised? No. Have I seen this writing on the wall for 2 years? Yes. We had discussed a return to Dewars earlier in the year but I did not feel confident in Litwack’s commitment to a high profile racing calendar. I said it the last time he ‘retired’ and I’ll say it the next time he ‘retires.’ He’s a pussy.”
Levi Leipheimer (Former US National Champion and Tour de France podium finisher)
“Why does everyone keep asking me about this guy I bought a TV from 2 years ago? Who IS this guy? I mean seriously, I almost won the Vuelta Espana! The VUELTA! Can we move on? Please!?!?”
“Why does everyone keep asking me about this guy I bought a TV from 2 years ago? Who IS this guy? I mean seriously, I almost won the Vuelta Espana! The VUELTA! Can we move on? Please!?!?”
Patrick Lefevre (Quick Step team manager and Director Sportif)“We did have some interest in signing Litwack for our classics next year but his demands were too great for the level rider he is. I mean, honestly, who asks for their own personal chef and stylist to be put on the team payroll? We will stick with Boonen, Devolder and Chavanel.”
More on this breaking story as it develops. Check back for reactions and statement from the Litwack camp
