Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch Takes Break After Six Years
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Senior Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekatch is taking a break from the NSN cycling team after six years, citing personal exhaustion from extensive travel. Pekatch was a founding member and played a key role in the team's development and participation in major races like the Tour de France. Team management respects his decision but anticipates his return, with co-founder Ronnie Bar-On emphasizing that the door remains open for Pekatch's next chapter.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dror Pekatch, a senior Israeli Sports Director, is leaving the NSN cycling team after six years.
- Pekatch cited personal exhaustion and the toll of extensive travel as reasons for his departure.
- He was a founding member of the team and participated in three Tour de France races.
- Team management expressed respect for his decision but anticipates his eventual return.
- Co-founder Ronnie Bar-On stated the door remains open for Pekatch's future involvement.
Dror Pekatch, a senior Israeli Sports Director, has announced he is taking a break from the NSN cycling team after six years of service. Pekatch cited exhaustion and the 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 called "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 rose through the ranks, becoming part of the leadership team for major global races, including three appearances in the Tour de France. He stated, "After six years as 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, precisely when I am in an excellent professional position and finishing with a good taste in my mouth and excellent relations with the team members." He added that the past six years were the most significant of his professional life and that the team became more than a home and family to him.
He expressed gratitude to Sylvain and Ronnie Bar-On for opening the door for him, highlighting the privilege of participating in major world races with the team. Sam Bewley, head of the team's Sports Directors division, respects Pekatch's decision but believes his passion for racing will draw him back. Bewley praised Pekatch's professional development, extensive knowledge, strong presence, and willingness to voice his opinions, noting he will be greatly missed.
Ronnie Bar-On, a co-founder, was more definitive about Pekatch's future, calling his departure a "short sabbatical." He emphasized Pekatch's role as one of the first Israeli professionals to join them, his contribution to building the team, nurturing young riders, and becoming a leading Sports Director. Bar-On expressed pride in Pekatch being the first Israeli Sports Director in the Tour de France and his work in promoting young Israeli riders. He assured Pekatch that the door would always be open for his return.
Pekatch himself did not rule out a future return, stating, "From here I continue as a fan of this team, and especially of all the amazing people who work in it. I hope our paths will cross again in the future."
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