Our new staff writer and photographer Jarrod Partridge hooked up with Team Radioshack rider Daryl Impey from South Africa for a talk about his goals this year, and his thoughts on the new Team Radioshack.
Jarrod Partridge: What does it mean to you personally to be chosen for the Radioshack team?
Daryl Impey: It’s an honour for me. I feel proud and its a great environment to be in. Surrounded by the best riders in the world will hopefully rub off on me one day.
Jarrod Partridge: What special qualities are you bringing to the team and how do you see yourself in the pro peloton – ie, a sprinter, climber, stage racer etc.
Daryl Impey: I see myself more as an all rounder, if the hills are not too long then I can manage to get over the climbs with less sprinters and have a go.
Jarrod Partridge: What are your main goals this year?
Daryl Impey: Milan San Remo is a race I would dream of winning one day. I hope to do a good ride there and in smaller stage races and hopefully do the Vuelta.
Jarrod Partridge: Will being in Team Radioshack have a big impact on your personal life?
Daryl Impey: I try keep racing away from my personal life but it has raised my profile a bit in SA. Obviously being with a bigger team is always going to attract more attention but it hasnt changed things for me on a personal level.
Jarrod Partridge: Are you under more pressure being in Team Radioshack and how does it compare to previous teams?
Daryl Impey: No. I go out and give every race my best, of course I put pressure on myself for results but from a team point of view they have been relaxed. I feel that the team believes in their riders and thats why were chosen for Team Radioshack. There is a little more responsibility now with Team Radioshack but its a good thing.
Jarrod Partridge: How close is the team? Do you spend a lot of time together, including Lance Armstrong?
Daryl Impey: The team is like a family actually. I feel as if I have known some of these guys for years. We don’t spend much time together as we all live scattered over Europe but at the races we have an awesome vibe. Each guy, including Lance Armstrong, takes the time to get to know one another.
Jarrod Partridge: What have been some of your career highlights?
Daryl Impey: Obviously winning Turkey was and getting a spot with Team Radioshack.
Jarrod Partridge: How does racing in Australia during a European winter affect your training and schedules over the season.
Daryl Impey: It doesn’t really, I lose a few days travelling but its only January right now so the timing is not too bad. I would rather be racing in 40 degrees than 0 degrees.
Jarrod Partridge: What are your thoughts on the Tour Down Under and cycling as a whole in Australia?
Daryl Impey: Down Under – well organised event with great crowds and people. Australian cycling looks healthy, it would be great for SA Cycling to have a setup like theirs in Europe
Interview by Jarrod Partridge, staff writer and photographer
Check out Jarrod’s website: www.jxpphotography.com.au
Nice interview, Jarrod.
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Thanks David!
Hopefully more to come throughout the year.
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