For the first time since 2008 (when John-Lee Augustyn and Robbie Hunter rode for Barloworld), South Africa will have two (and-a-third) riders at the 2012 Tour de France. We take a look at the part they will play at the greatest cycling event in the world.
Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEDGE)
Daryl Impey is having the season of his life! So far this year he’s had two stage wins on the World Tour (Tour of the Basque Country and Tour de Slovénie) and he raced his first grand tour, the Giro d’Italia, where he proved time and time again that he is a valued asset for the team. This is Impey’s first Tour de France, and his aim (in his words) is to “empty himself for the team“. While the team’s plan is to go for the stage wins – in which Impey will be integral to delivering their sprinter, Australian Matt Goss to the line – Impey has suggested he might go for a breakaway on one of the stages; and if all goes to plan, he could take a stage win.
Daryl will be blogging exclusively for Bicycling for the duration of the Tour, so head to his blogs daily throughout the race.
So proud! Well done. You have already done your country proud!