Simon Clarke extends with Team Orica-GreenEdge for three more years
Simon Clarke moved to the UCI World Tour debutant side, Team Orica-GreenEdge in 2012 after serving one-year with Team Astana.
His performance during the debut season with the Australian team was good enough to impress the Team General Manager Shayne Bannan, who has retained the young Australian for three more seasons.
"Being Aussie in an Aussie team is a dream come true," said Clarke after renewing the contract.
"I think I made a big step up this year, and in part, that's because of the support I've received from this team. To have the chance to stay here for at least another three years is perfect for me."
"One night, I was speaking to Shayne [Bannan] about my struggles over dinner”.
“After that, we'll be able to look after you and you'll have a great career.' Having Shayne give me those words of confidence reminded me of the support I have behind me".
The 26-year-old filled his bag with several victories in the 2012 season, but his most prominent win remains the first overall spot at the Vuelta a Espana 2012, Mountains Classifications.
He also managed to claim the fourth stage of the race and won the most combative award during the stage 20.
Clarke finished second overall at the Glava Tour of Norway and the Rogaland Gp 2012 along with the fifth overall finish at the Tour du Haut-Var.
The Australian became professional with Team Amica Chips-Knauf in 2009 and switched to Team ISD through 2009-10 seasons before moving to Team Astana in 2011.
Shayne Bannan is content with how things went during the team’s inaugural season at the top level of the sport and is hopeful that the team’s performance will improve in the season ahead.
An overall victory in any of the three grand tours is his major objective for the new season.
Team Orica-Green Edge claimed a total number of 920 UCI points and occupied the sixth overall position after the UCI World Tour team’s rankings.
Team Sky leads the category with 1757 points, with Team Katusha (1273), Team Liquigas (1197 points), Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step (1162 points) and Team Movistar (952 points) securing the next four spots respectively.
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