Daryl Impey says he is looking forward to showing off his national kit when he races for his Australia-based team Mitchelton-Scott in Europe this season.
Daryl Impey said he was “proud” to show off his national kit when he races for his Australia-based team Mitchelton-Scott in Europe. Photo: Getty Images
Impey managed to clinch his first national road-race title in Oudtshoorn last month, where he said he was “honoured to get the stripes”.
The Tour Down Under champion earlier this week revealed his new kit. “I am proud of the design and I am proud to be wearing it,” he told In the Bunch.
“I changed the [South African] flag to be horizontal again – I wanted to make it more personal. I prefer it that way.
“The trim on my sleeves has the three main colours of our flag as well. The white [on the jersey] also stands out, making it easier to identify the flag, which is fantastic.”
Generally, everyone else also liked the jersey, Impey added. “Most riders say it is classy and the black shorts, in my opinion, are the only option.
“The jersey will make me stand out more [in races] and it will take time for the other riders to get used to it. Teams may not recognise me at first, so it may be harder to take position in races.”
Impey said he had wanted the national jersey “for a long time”.
“Many riders have always asked me before why I haven’t won the national title. It has always been so difficult to do alone, but I’m looking forward to showing it off in a big way this year.”
Impey is currently riding for Mitchelton-Scott in the seven-stage Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy.
