Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch Departs NSN After Six Years
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch is leaving the NSN cycling team after six years, citing burnout from extensive travel. Pekatch was a foundational member of the team, helping it grow and participating in three Tour de France races. Team management respects his decision, with co-founder Roni Bar-On suggesting it's a "short sabbatical" and the door remains open for his return.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dror Pekatch is stepping down as Sports Director for the NSN cycling team after six years.
- Pekatch cited burnout and the personal cost of extensive travel as reasons for his departure.
- He was a founding member of the team, then called Cycling Academy, and participated in three Tour de France races.
- Team management, including Sam Bewley and Roni Bar-On, expressed respect for his decision and acknowledged his contributions.
- Bar-On suggested Pekatch is taking a "short sabbatical" and that the team's door remains open for his return.
Dror Pekatch, a senior Israeli Sports Director, is taking a break from the NSN cycling team after six years of service. Pekatch cited burnout and the significant personal toll of spending many days away from home as the reasons for his decision to step down, at least for now. He joined the team, then known as Cycling Academy, on its first day and was instrumental in its growth from a nascent professional team to a top contender in the sport.
Pekatch progressed through the ranks, becoming a key member of the leadership team for major global races, including three appearances in the Tour de France. He expressed that the decision to pause comes at a professional high point, leaving with positive relationships and a "good taste in his mouth." He acknowledged the immense personal and professional growth he experienced with the team, which became like family to him.
He extended gratitude to Sylvain and Roni Bar-On for the opportunity to work with the team and participate in significant cycling events. Pekatch stated his work was driven by a genuine passion for the profession, the riders, and the team.
Sam Bewley, the team's Head of Sports Directors, respects Pekatch's decision but believes his passion for professional cycling will eventually draw him back. Bewley praised Pekatch's development into a knowledgeable professional with a strong presence, noting his willingness to voice his opinions and his significant contributions to the team. He anticipates Pekatch will be missed.
Roni Bar-On, a co-founder of the team, was more definitive about Pekatch's potential return, viewing his departure as a "short sabbatical." Bar-On highlighted Pekatch's role as one of the first Israeli professionals to join the team, his contribution to building the team, nurturing young riders, and becoming a leading Sports Director. He expressed pride in Pekatch being the first Israeli to serve as a Sports Director in the Tour de France and his work in promoting young Israeli cyclists. Bar-On assured that the door remains open for Pekatch to rejoin the team in the future, a possibility Pekatch himself did not rule out, stating he will continue as a fan and hopes their paths will cross again.
