Peter Disera: Hunting adventure and points at Epic Israel
Canadian national champ will join Haley Smith and Catharine Pendrel overseas to team up with Andrew L'Esperance in four-day stage race
If you think XC race season is over just because the World Cup has wrapped up for 2019, think again. Several of Canada’s best are headed overseas for the Epic Israel, a four day, 282 km mountain bike stage race.
The event, which runs from 25-28 of September, offers a mix of adventure, racing in the stunning Mediterranean setting, and UCI points. As a UCI S1 classified stage race, it’s a crucial opportunity to rack up a few more points towards next year’s Olympic qualifying. The more points Canadians earn, the more spots they could have at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“It’s sort of become a tradition for me to add an adventure race to the end of the season every year. It’s a great excuse to explore a new place, stretch my limits in a different way, and maybe earn some points in the process,” says Haley Smith. “I’ve always loved the longer, more ‘epic’ style of racing/riding and I just get genuinely excited for these events. The closer we get to the race start I always wonder what I’ve gotten myself into… but the challenge is super rewarding. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Catharine Pendrel (L) and Haley Smith (R) celebrate winning stage 2 of Perskindol Swiss Epic. Photo: Marius Maasewerd
Smith will be tackling the Epic Israel with Catharine Pendrel. The two last raced as a team this time last year, when they won the Swiss Epic. Among the Canadian’s taking on the international field at Epic Israel this year are Norco Factory Team pairing of Peter Disera and Andrew L’Esperance as well as Sandra Walter, who will race with Cindy Montambault.
Among the Canadian’s taking on an international field of World Cup elites are Peter Disera, Andrew L’Esperance, Haley Smith, Catharine Pendrel, Sandra Walter and Cindy Montambault. The Epic Israel requires teams of two to race together at all times, adding teamwork and strategy as race factors in with fitness.
I caught up with Canadian XCO national champion Peter Disera to find out more about the Epic Israel, how it fits into his end-of-season race plans. While the World Cup’s may be over, race season is still going strong.
What stood out about Epic Israel that made you want to add it on to the already-long race season?
Due to the fact that the race is a UCI S1 stage race there are significant points up for grabs. Additionally, I’ve never been to that part of the world and seemed like a fantastic opportunity to get in some good racing, obtain some points and experience a new area and culture.
This season has been long, but an event like this is more ‘for fun’ and gives us something fresh to focus on. I’m actually very motivated for this.
The cross country season is already long, between World Cup’s and Canada Cup’s. What makes you want to extend that season further?
Yea, this year has been nuts. We started in February in Greece. Now with the World Cups over I wanted to keep racing and doing some of the events that are sidelined during the summer. I’ve even going deeper into the fall with Oz Epic Rides and Iceman. That being said, I won’t be racing any cross this year.
We’re part way through the Olympic Qualification cycle. Does this play into that, either individually or as a national team?
Yes it definitely does. Although the hopes of the Canadian men qualifying two spots for Tokyo look bleak, earning points for the nations ranking is still important. Additionally, any points help start positions for the following year.
What are you expecting from the Epic Israel experience?
A lot of pain…aha. The days are long and the racing should be tactical and fun. I am expecting a good battle. On the contrary, this will only be my 3rd MTB stage race ever, and my first ‘epic’ so I don’t necessarily know what to expect. I’ll take it as it comes, I’ve got experience from road racing I can pull on.
Is this the last event of the season for you? Or are you off somewhere else after this?
The fall is just about as gnarly a travel schedule as mid season. I go to Epic Israel at the end of September, then Tokyo for the test event immediately after that. Then Arkansas for Oz Epic Ride after coming home from Japan. Then potentially Victoria for a few days and finally tying my season up in a bow at Iceman Cometh Nov 2. I should be thoroughly trashed by then.
