May 22, 2017 (Nove Mesto, CZE) – Following his superb 8th place finish in the men’s U23 XC at the UCI MTB World Cup in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, we caught up with Peter Disera of the newly formed Norco Factory Team XC to find out more about his race, great start to the season including Sea Otter and his new World Cup squad. Disera also races for H&R Block Pro Cycling Team on the road.
How does it feel to start the season off with such a solid performance following great results at Sea Otter?
Peter Disera: It feels really good to have this result early in the season knowing there is still room to grow and improve. Sea Otter was a breakthrough race for me managing to make the front group in both the short track and XCO. It was really cool to see the company that I was riding with and boosted my confidence going into these U23 World Cups.
Did you know the course and did the race unfold as expected?
PD: I have raced multiple times here in Nove Mesto and man, is it an awesome course, super rough, tech and punchy. The race plan was to get out in front on the start, burn some matches if necessary because the start here is so important. I made the front selection, riding in the top 5. Things got a little dicey throughout the race with a few guys catching, some popping and a few attacks. I slipped out of the top 5 but managed to fight to stay in the top 10. Pleased with this result to help get things rolling.
Did you know how well you were doing during the race?
PD: I knew where I was placed because for a lot of the race I could still see the head of the race. I didn’t focus on positions, I just focused on staying on the gas and staying in touch.
PD: The new World Cup Norco Factory Team is awesome. Having World Cup support is so key in our progression towards our goal of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It is neat having my brother on the team and we are very good at feeding off of each other. Rounding out the team is Haley Smith and she is dialled. It is going to be exciting to watch her race this year and this weekend was awesome! As for staff we have Kevin Haviland and Jonathan Duncan to take care of business and keep our bikes race ready. For Nove Mesto this weekend and Albstadt next weekend we have Kevin and Jon for Haley and myself – Quinton is in Quebec for the second round of the Canada MTB Cup with Josh Toohill.
Any specific goals for the season ?
PD: I don’t like to set goals that involve a finishing position but I will say that I am ready to defend my National Champion U23 title and that cracking the top 5 at a World Cup is on my mind. Mainly, I just want to perfect my racing. I set my goals around being dialed going into a race; whether it be suspension, nutrition, or tire choice. But primarily the preparation goals this year circle around mental performance.
Thanks for your time and all the best this season.
PD: Thanks…cool cool, Have a good one!