33-year-old Daryl Impey today became the first South African to win the Santos Tour Down Under. The Mitchellton-SCOTT rider finished safely in the bunch on the final stage in Adelaide to capture the win.
Impey started the final stage on the same time as Richie Porte (BMC Racing) and he just needed to finish safely in the bunch to ensure the win.
The 90-kilometre stage finished in a bunch sprint and Caleb Ewan nearly made it a perfect day for Mitchellton-SCOTT but was edged out by Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal). It was the second stage win for the German. Impey avoided any mishaps in the closing stages to finish safely in the bunch and secure the ochre jersey.
“It is a relief, you can never say it is done until it’s done,” said Impey after the race. “We had things under control especially with the experienced guys like Mat Hayman, Damien Howson did some awesome work on the front this week so I was in good hands.”
“Wearing the yellow jersey at the Tour de France was a magical moment but this is very close to that. I worked really hard for this one and especially knowing how important it is to the team and the sponsors. It was a high-pressure race for us, everyone expects a lot so to top it off with a win is very special.”
“It is a step up in my career, you get these little stepping stones and you reach bigger mile stones and I’ve proved to myself now, as I’ve always had a little bit of self-doubt.”
“I’ve ridden for guys who have been in this situation and it is a lot easier riding for someone else, so to come in and take the pressure for a change and have a go I am very happy to have been able to do that.”
”It’s one of the most special races of the season so I will like to come back next year and wear the number one, you don’t get too many opportunities to do that.”
