Roman Roth To Edit Flow, Suzie Dotan, Roadie International

Challenge Publications, Inc., a leader in biking periodicals, announced today the addition of two new editors. The move strengthens the current editorial team and supports Challenge's mission to be the number one niche biking publisher in the world.
Challenge Associate Publisher Tim Baudler said,
"We wanted to find and sign the best talent available to head these
promising new titles. While it took some time, today I am very pleased to announce their addition to the Challenge team."

Roman Roth enjoys a heavyweight media resume, having been published in virtually every cycling magazine in the nation. Baudler said, "When we heard Roman was looking for a staff position, we jumped at the opportunity to have the premier cycling photographer in America at the helm of Flow." Roth has extensive bicycling experience: he has raced professionally in nearly every discipline of cycling, consulted on manufacturer R&D teams, owned bike shops and covered cycling events globally.

A well-known writer and rider, Suzie Dotan brings experience and industry insight needed to establish the brand new bike magazine, Roadie International. Baudler said, "Suzie has the maturity and industry respect needed to establish an exciting format for a growing and passionate segment of cycling."

Mountain Biking Editor Alan Davis said, "I really look forward to working with Roman considering his years of experience in the bicycling industry. There's a tremendous demand for Flow magazine out there, it has made an incredible impact. I think Roman is going to be just the person to give Flow the edgy and racy look that it needs to meet that demand. Suzie has worked with Challenge for many years on several bike titles, and is more than up to the task of heading up Roadie International. Her enthusiasm for the sport is undeniable."

Meanwhile, Challenge Publications, Inc. continues to aggressively pursue its $3 million dollar lawsuit against H3 Publications, and former Challenge employee Dave House. Despite a three-week delay caused by the 2003 Southern California wildfires, testimony and evidence gathering resumed in early November and is ongoing.

Challenge President Ed Schnepf said, “Evidence obtained from subpoenaed H3 Publications, Inc. business records is substantial enough to warrant the continuation of the lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages.” Challenge claims that H3's own records suggest that House illegally coerced advertisers into cancelling contracts and cancelled several Challenge contracts without the approval of advertisers. They also claim, because of House's actions, that several bicycle industry advertisers have made out-of-court settlements with Challenge.

Schnepf said, "As we approach the holidays, we are looking forward to our 41st year of publishing great magazines and getting this unpleasant lawsuit business behind us."