Top Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch Takes Break After Six Years
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Israeli sports director Dror Pekatch is stepping down from the NSN cycling team after six years due to burnout and the personal cost of extensive travel. Pekatch, who was part of the team since its founding as Cycling Academy and participated in three Tour de France races, cited personal toll as the reason for his departure. Team management respects his decision but anticipates his return, with one co-founder calling it a "short sabbatical" and leaving the door open for his future involvement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dror Pekatch is leaving his role as sports director for the NSN cycling team after six years.
- Pekatch cited burnout and the personal toll of extensive travel as reasons for his departure.
- He was involved with the team since its founding and participated in three Tour de France races.
- Team management respects his decision but anticipates his eventual return to professional cycling.
- One co-founder described his exit as a "short sabbatical" with an open door for his return.
Dror Pekatch, a prominent Israeli sports director, is taking a break from the NSN cycling team after six years, during which he participated in hundreds of races and three Tour de France appearances. Pekatch cited burnout and the personal toll of extensive time away from home as the reasons for his decision to pause, at least for now. He joined the team, then known as Cycling Academy, at its inception and was instrumental in its growth from a young professional team to a top contender in the sport. Over the years, he advanced in his role, becoming a key part of the leadership team in major global races.
"After six years as a sports director, with a huge number of days away from home that took a heavy toll on my private life, I thought it was right to stop and take a break, especially when I am in an excellent professional place and finishing with a good feeling and excellent relations with the team members," Pekatch stated. He added that the past six years were the most significant of his professional life, expressing gratitude to Sylvain and Roni Bar-On for opening the door and for the opportunity to participate in major world races.
Sam Bewley, the team's Head of Sports Directors, respects Pekatch's decision but believes his passion for racing will draw him back. Bewley acknowledged Pekatch's significant contributions, vast knowledge, and strong presence, noting that he will be missed. Roni Bar-On, a co-founder of the team, was more definitive about Pekatch's future, calling his departure a "short sabbatical" and emphasizing that the door will always be open for him to return. Pekatch himself did not rule out a future collaboration, stating he will continue as a fan of the team and hopes their paths will cross again.
