South Africa’s two-time Olympian Daryl Impey has signed up with Australia based outfit ORICA-BikeExchange for the next three seasons.

Thirty-one-year-old Impey, originally from Johannesburg, is a core team member, and the first South African to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France.

Impey, who has been a regular feature in many of the Australian outfit’s biggest victories across one-day Classics, week-long Tours and Grand Tours, joins Esteban Chaves as riders locked in through to 2019.

The 31-year-old is considered to be one of the team’s most important contributors, and is feels suitably at home within the fold.

‘This team is where my career took off and I feel really at home with everything here,’ Impey said. ‘It’s been a fantastic run these last five seasons and I’m happy to continue to be part of it. To me, there is a unique feeling on this team and that’s what makes the difference.

‘I’m looking forward to expanding my role a little bit and it feels good to be part of the team that helps out in the hillier races too. I feel very motivated going into these next years and to help achieve new goals for the team.’

Crediting his versatility and contribution to team culture, sport director Matt White reiterated the importance of Impey to the ORICA-BikeExchange team.

‘Daryl is a very important backbone of this team,’ White said. ‘He has been part of our biggest victories and is a key rider across all types of terrain.’

‘There aren’t a lot of riders in the peloton who are as versatile as him. He can do lead-outs in the sprints and this year we saw him finish second on a mountain stage in the Tour.

‘His personality really gives a lot to the team and our values and he is a real leader both on and off the bike. We’re really proud to continue with Daryl and we are confident of seeing him evolve even more into one of our real leaders and also to take chances when presented to win for himself.’