Subaru/Gary Fisher Mountain Bike Team News
03/26/2007 Team
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A few days before my first international UCI race in my home country of Israel, I traveled to check out the racecourse and reached one clear and definite conclusion RACE DAY.
For the past 8 years I have been riding Gary Fisher hard tail bikes and Im always very much connected with the bike. However, the desert race course with its rocks and stones pointed me towards my full suspension mountain bike. At the time, I didnt realize how big and meaningful the advantage would be.
On Friday morning I left my house and headed to the desert. Since our country is so small I could sleep in my own bed that morning. At 5 A.M., while loading the bike and equipment with my mechanic Adi, I noticed through the dawns darkness the approach of rain clouds. "The desert is always dry," I thought to myself, but as we drove south to the desert the rain just got stronger and our yellow Gary Fisher tent seemed more and more vital.
Adi was still trying to ensure I would not ride my hard tail, because of the mud that we were expecting. I stayed firm in my original choice of the full suspension. "Well just put the front Bontrager XR tyre on the front and back," I told him.
Choosing tires in the desert is different than on regular courses and when it rains heavily the mud tires just wont do it. While I was doing my warm-up on the trainer, wearing a few layers of clothing, (it was 6 degrees centigrade) I realized that the equipment was spot on. Now it was all up to me.
The race opened with a short lap to please the fans. I always love that, it gives an additional incentive to put on a good show and it fills me with positive energy. The start was aggressive and I was accompanied by 3 riders who would not give away UCI points easily. I began to get away on the first downhill while staying focused on the slippery rocks, a fluid pedal stroke, and, mostly, on a smile. Towards the end of the first lap, I sensed that the gap I was opening was starting to grow. The mud was doing its thing and I was determined to keep my advantage.
This season I was already second in a race in Israel and third in a race in Greece, but an injury in Cyprus had shaken my confidence that I could take top spot on the podium. However, as the race progressed I knew I had to do it. I finished the last climb almost with tears in my eyes, partly due to the heavy mud, but mostly from the joy of winning. The running of the race was good, the choice of equipment was spot on, and the good day that I had gave me a big motivation boost for the season ahead.
It is clear to me that the big races this season will not be easy, but I am determined to get ahead and enjoy myself with the help of our wonderful, professional staff.
So stay tuned and cross your fingers.
Dror Pekatch
SubaruGary Fisher
Dror Pekatch 1st at Arad Int'l Mountain Bike Race
Dror Pekatch is on the Subaru-Gary Fisher International Mountain Bike Team. The XC racer is from Israel. The following is a recap from his most recent race, the Arad Mountain Bike International.----
A few days before my first international UCI race in my home country of Israel, I traveled to check out the racecourse and reached one clear and definite conclusion RACE DAY.
For the past 8 years I have been riding Gary Fisher hard tail bikes and Im always very much connected with the bike. However, the desert race course with its rocks and stones pointed me towards my full suspension mountain bike. At the time, I didnt realize how big and meaningful the advantage would be.
On Friday morning I left my house and headed to the desert. Since our country is so small I could sleep in my own bed that morning. At 5 A.M., while loading the bike and equipment with my mechanic Adi, I noticed through the dawns darkness the approach of rain clouds. "The desert is always dry," I thought to myself, but as we drove south to the desert the rain just got stronger and our yellow Gary Fisher tent seemed more and more vital.
Adi was still trying to ensure I would not ride my hard tail, because of the mud that we were expecting. I stayed firm in my original choice of the full suspension. "Well just put the front Bontrager XR tyre on the front and back," I told him.
Choosing tires in the desert is different than on regular courses and when it rains heavily the mud tires just wont do it. While I was doing my warm-up on the trainer, wearing a few layers of clothing, (it was 6 degrees centigrade) I realized that the equipment was spot on. Now it was all up to me.
The race opened with a short lap to please the fans. I always love that, it gives an additional incentive to put on a good show and it fills me with positive energy. The start was aggressive and I was accompanied by 3 riders who would not give away UCI points easily. I began to get away on the first downhill while staying focused on the slippery rocks, a fluid pedal stroke, and, mostly, on a smile. Towards the end of the first lap, I sensed that the gap I was opening was starting to grow. The mud was doing its thing and I was determined to keep my advantage.
This season I was already second in a race in Israel and third in a race in Greece, but an injury in Cyprus had shaken my confidence that I could take top spot on the podium. However, as the race progressed I knew I had to do it. I finished the last climb almost with tears in my eyes, partly due to the heavy mud, but mostly from the joy of winning. The running of the race was good, the choice of equipment was spot on, and the good day that I had gave me a big motivation boost for the season ahead.
It is clear to me that the big races this season will not be easy, but I am determined to get ahead and enjoy myself with the help of our wonderful, professional staff.
So stay tuned and cross your fingers.
Dror Pekatch
SubaruGary Fisher
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