Often disliked for his passive racing style, Simon Gerrans has enjoyed a nearly perfect season in 2014, once again proving that he's in a class of his own when it comes to succeeding in targeted events. Despite missing out on a victory in the World Championships road race, the 34-year old Australian admitted that another event haunts him in his dreams and revealed that he considers embracing mentorship role at Orica-GreenEDGE one of his most important responsibilities for upcoming three years.

“If I could have another season like 2014, I’d sign off on that in one second flat,” Gerrans told VeloNews.

After taking victories in national championships, Tour Down Under, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and both Canadian one-day classics, only World Championships road race held this year in Ponferrada left Gerrans a little bit heartbroken. Even though the Orica-GreenEDGE rider can call it his career's best season, he claims that the hunger for more victories is still inside him. Quite sursprisingly, however, not a battle for the rainbow jersey but one of the highly coveted Ardennes classics haunts the 34-year old Australian at nights.

“My first big goal of the year is obviously the races we have in Australia as they are really important races for the team,” said Gerrans. “Then it’s over to Europe for the spring classics and the Ardennes."

“The Ardennes are the races that I really get motivated for and really enjoy racing, and I have big passion for those races and then the Tour.”

“I think I’ve broken the record for the most third places in the Amstel Gold Race,” he revealed VeloNews. “So, I would love to go a couple of spots better and win that one this year.”

Orica-GreenEDGE is considered one of the most young talents-friendly WorldTour outfits, with the likes of Esteban Chaves, Caleb Ewan or Yates brothers quickly flourishing under their wings. As Magnus Cort and Jack Haig are about to join an impressive collection of rising stars, Gerrans considers taking over the mentorship role as one of his biggest responsibilities and challenges for upcoming years. Always humble, the 34-year old Australian spoke with a huge esteem about his new team-mates.

“I sort of see that as my most important role in the team,” said Gerrans. “I want to try and really guide these young guys and be a good influence on them and their careers because they have 10 times more talent than what I had at their age.”

“What we can expect from this young group in years to come is going to be pretty phenomenal I think.”