After a second year in the outfit of Orica-GreenEDGE, highlighted by becoming the first South African-born cyclist to wear le maillot jaune, Daryl Impey was pleased to learn that his future with the Australian team is secured for next three consecutive seasons.

Having won two stages of Vuelta a Pais Vasco and very soon adding another stage victory in the Tour of Slovenia in his first season with Orica-GreenEDGE, South African had already lived up to expectations. Even though, his continued his progress in 2013, with winning the national time trial championships, winning stages of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and Bayern Rundfahrt, and leading the Tour de France, representing his most remarkable results of the season.

“To make the Tour team during the first year was really special,” said Impey, speaking after the news of his contract extension was confirmed. “This year with the yellow jersey and the stage wins and everything that came along with it was even more special. When Simon and I realised that we could both wear the yellow jersey, that we could share it – and that we actually pulled it off – that was the biggest highlight of my career.”

Impey’s career, however,  was not always painted in such bright colors. After a serious crash during the 2009 Tour of Turkey South African was forced to undergo facial surgery and then was then left without a team when the Pegasus setup collapsed, but was able to switch to MTN Qhubeka and then NetApp. Therefore Impey appreciates the chance he was given by the Australian team and expresses contention about past two years in the squad.

“Everything about these past two years has been incredible,” he stated. “The riders, the staff and the management are all so supportive. The way we lift each other up to lift the whole level of the team has made this team what it is today. We started from scratch with the attitude that this team isn’t just about one or two individuals. One rider is just as important as the next. We’ve stayed true to that idea, and look at what we’ve accomplished.

“I need to say a massive thank you to the team for the last two years. It’s an easy decision to be part of a team that is so giving and so appreciative of what you do for the team. In the same vein, I’m really thankful to everyone involved with the team – the riders, the staff, the management and all our sponsors.”

Impey is prized not only for chasing his own victories, but also for selfless  contribution in Orica’s numerous successful campaigns. By a three-year extension of a contract, team’s directeur sportif Matt While shows faith that a steady progress of South African rider will continue and there is still a lot more to come from him.

“Daryl is an invaluable member of our team,” he said. “He has gone to another level since he joined us two years ago. He has proven that he’s a super teammate and that he is critical to the team’s overall success. We’ve seen that repeatedly over the past two years. He’s been a part of most of our biggest wins - Gossy’s win at the Giro, Gerro’s win at the Tour, the team time trial at the Tour and second place at Worlds. He’s a very versatile rider that we can use in a lot of different ways.”

“I think we’re going to see him improve a lot more over the next three years. We’ve seen him win some great races over the last two years, but we know he’s capable of even bigger wins. We’re certainly going to give him more opportunity to show that over the next thee years.”

While a schedule for 2014 takes its final shapes, Impey is looking forward to follow the one possibly similar to the previous year’s.  He dreams to make the Tour de France team for second consecutive season and hopes that proper preparation will help him achieving all the goals.

“My progamme will mostly stay the same as it was last year,” he explained. “I’ll fly out to Australia next month. After that, it’s Oman and Tirreno. The biggest goals in the first half of the season are Milan San Remo and Amstel Gold.

“I’m most looking forward to the Tour de France. It’s the biggest race of the season for the team. I’m really hoping to make selection and go back to the race to repeat some of the success we had this year. It’s hard to do, but it’s always nice to have a big challenge. I think we’re all looking forward to reaching for the stars again.”