  We introduce a new technique for studying classical knots with the methods of
virtual knot theory. Let $K$ be a knot and $J$ a knot in the complement of $K$
with $\text{lk}(J,K)=0$. Suppose there is covering space $\pi_J: \Sigma \times
(0,1) \to \bar{S^3\backslash V(J)}$, where $V(J)$ is a regular neighborhood of
$J$ satisfying $V(J) \cap \text{im}(K)=\emptyset$ and $\Sigma$ is a connected
compact orientable 2-manifold. Let $K'$ be a knot in $\Sigma \times (0,1)$ such
that $\pi_J(K')=K$. Then $K'$ stabilizes to a virtual knot $\hat{K}$, called a
virtual cover of $K$ relative to $J$. We investigate what can be said about a
classical knot from its virtual covers in the case that $J$ is a fibered knot.
Several examples and applications to classical knots are presented. A basic
theory of virtual covers is established.
