Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekach Resigns After Six Years
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli Sports Director Dror Pekach is leaving the NSN cycling team after six years, citing personal exhaustion from extensive travel. Pekach was a key figure in the team's development, including three Tour de France participations. While he is taking a break, both team management and Pekach himself have expressed openness to future collaboration, with one co-founder suggesting it's a temporary sabbatical.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dror Pekach resigned as Sports Director for NSN after six years due to personal exhaustion.
- Pekach cited the heavy personal toll of numerous days spent away from home as his reason for leaving.
- He was a founding member of the team, then called Cycling Academy, and participated in three Tour de France races.
- Team management respects his decision but anticipates his return to professional cycling.
- Pekach expressed hope that his paths with the team will cross again in the future.
Dror Pekach, a senior Israeli Sports Director, has announced his departure from the NSN cycling team after six years of service. Pekach cited exhaustion and the significant personal toll of spending many days away from home as the reasons for his decision to take a break.
Pekach 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. During his tenure, he progressed to a leadership role, participating in major global races, including three editions of the Tour de France.
"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," Pekach 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 allowing him to participate in the "huge project" with genuine passion.
Sam Bewley, the team's Head of Sports Directors, respects Pekach's decision but believes his passion for racing will draw him back. Bewley acknowledged Pekach's development into a knowledgeable professional with a strong presence, noting his significant contributions and that he will be missed. Bewley also hinted at the possibility of future collaboration.
Roni Bar-On, a co-founder of the team, was more definitive about Pekach's future, viewing his departure as a short sabbatical. Bar-On highlighted Pekach's role as one of the first Israeli professionals to join the team and his pioneering achievement as the first Israeli Sports Director in the Tour de France. He emphasized that the door remains open for Pekach to return when he decides to embark on the next chapter. Pekach 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."
