July 14, 2019 (Les Gets, FRA) – Canada’s Peter Disera (Norco Factory Team) took home a career-best 6th in the Elite Men’s race while teammate Haley Smith matched his result with a solid performance in the Elite Women’s competition.
In the women’s 7-lap, 26.6km race Courtney was an early leader soon challenged by Olympic champ, Jenny Rissveds (Swe), who moved up from nine rows back. But Rissveds soon faded as Courtney established a lead she would not relinquish. Jolanda Neff (Sui) Trek Factory Racing XC battled back to claim second while Elisabeth Brandau (Ger) earned her best-ever result taking third.
In the 30.4km Elite Men’s 8-lap race a group of eight riders including Disera proved to be the real contenders of the day. Schurter and Gerhard Kerschbaumer (Ita) Torpado Ursus ultimately took charge as Disera held his ground and moved up from 8th to 6th by the finish. Schurter out-dueled Kerschbaumer for win with Henrique Avancini (Bra) Cannondale Factory taking third.
Andrew L’Esperance (Norco Factory) was 60th, Marc-Andre Fortier (Pivot Cycles-OTE) finished 78th, Raphael Gagne (Team Canada) was 92nd and Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) placed 107th.
We caught up with Disera, now 10th overall, for his impressions and take on a tough day of racing with stellar results for himself and his team – result here.
Tell us about your race… tough course and conditions in Les Gets.
Peter Disera: Amazing day today. I knew this was going to be a physical, climbers course so I chose to race my HT and thin sidewall, light tires with very fast tread. It was awesome on the climbs and ripped on descents so I am pumped off my choices.
The race was so cool. I took things minute by minute. I was fully aware that blowing up was a possibility.
Go ’til you blow / Fake it ’til you make it. I just didn’t have it in me to make a move into that lead group. I was stuck tail-gunning for far too long and burned matches have to chase back on. The final two laps of the race were wild when I finally caught and passed Sarrou and was closing on Tempier. Tempier and Cink got into a battle on the last lap and I was just too far out to be in podium contention. Amazing race, amazing weekend. The team is doing awesome. These results speak to the program and environment that Kevin Haviland has worked so hard to create.
It was key to make the top 8 break around the half way mark.
PD: To be honest I was so focused on trying to chase back on, or hang with, that my currently placing was unknown to me. I figured it was single digits but didn’t know what was really going on until after I was gapped from the group. Also, I didn’t want to know because I was expecting to blow up.
PD: I tried. I was pretty tapped out but still functioning. I willed myself for more, but I already had so much. A Top 10 was achieved, but then podium was right there. I just couldn’t make contact. If I had, oufff, that would’ve been nuts.
Your teammate Sean Fincham’s first podium result this morning had to be inspiring.
PD: That was awesome. We all knew Sean had it in him. He just needed the opportunity to turn himself inside out like that. Stoked off his results and excited that he’s doing what I’ve done, but 1 year sooner.
Stellar progression for you …are you feeling more confident and capable each race ?
PD: Progression has been stellar this year. I had my best ever spring campaign in California. I have been fully focused on training and recovering since I graduated in December. And what a difference sleeping a full 8 hours makes! This progression in results is me having a chance to show my stuff. I had everything come together today to really put on a show. The short tracks really help with my starting position and my head – having the opportunity to do a low stress race before the event takes away all the nerves. I look forward to the rest of the season and will take every opportunity to go for it. Why not? I thought I was going to blow up today and it worked out ok…
Big day for Team Norco in Les Gets congrats to everyone.
PD: Phenomenal day. Thanks to the staff for all they do. Scott Kelly has an eye for details – his attention to them is always appreciated. Josh Toohill is our massage therapist keeping us tuned and is massively helpful in the pits and on race day.
Kevin Haviland is the man behind it all. Visionary, I guess you could say. He saw what was possible, brought together the family and gave us the opportunity to show what we can do. I’m so stoked, like everyone on the team, to be a part of this. Thank you to everyone supporting this journey!
Are the XCO Nationals a goal this year for you ?
PD: I will be attempting a hat trick at nationals this year.
Results here.