After swapping Orica-GreenEDGE for Cannondale, Simon Clarke is revelling in his role as road captain at the Giro d’Italia. That being said, he really thinks his time with the Australian team was useful.

"I try not to think too much about comparing it with GreenEdge. GreenEdge was an awesome part of my career. It's a new year. I've moved on. I'm attempting new challenges. I have a new challenge with Uran. I will also have chances over the next three weeks to go up the road."

Clarke has not had many chances to lead teams, but when he does he can deliver. He beat a strong field to take GP Industria & Artigianato earlier this year, his first win for his new team. He hopes to earn more chances this season with the American team.

"[When riding for] Orica a few people were telling me that they thought I was already the best I was going to be and that I should just be happy riding in a support role at a professional level," Clarke said. "One of the reasons I left GreenEdge was to prove those people wrong. To come out this year, I am here to prove them wrong, so to do that I need to win races."

Calrke also spoke about his role as a road captain and the changes that requires as he goes from normal rider to captain.

"Normally you read the road book and see where you think you might be able to attack and try to remember a few things," Clarke said. "Now I need to read the road book to know every kilometre of the course for winds, climbs and everything. I need to be delegating riders for roles throughout the race and I need to know what is coming up the whole day. The sports director gives us some information, but I need to know all that information to help make decisions on the road."