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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

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Patrick Redford

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David Roth

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Kathryn Xu

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Brandy Jensen

Cyclists in a race are in the background. There is a house or wall on the left side of the road. There is a man in front, looking at the peloton, squatting halfway with his arms spread just past his knees. Next to him in the center of the road is a bicycle laid across the ground.

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Defector Reads A Book

Tim Krabbe’s ‘The Rider’ Won Us Over By Losing

Why ‘The Rider’ Is The Best Sports Book I’ve Ever Read

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 21: Veronica Burton (center) #22 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates with her team after the Valkyries beat the Washington Mystics at Chase Center on May 21, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Washington Mystics v Golden State Valkyries

WNBA

The Golden State Valkyries Are Beloved And Ahead Of Schedule

Patrick Redford

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Tim Krabbe’s ‘The Rider’ Won Us Over By Losing

Why ‘The Rider’ Is The Best Sports Book I’ve Ever Read

The Golden State Valkyries Are Beloved And Ahead Of Schedule