South African professional cyclist Daryl Impey, who cycles for the Orica-GreenEdge pro cycling team, was acknowledged for his achievement in the 100th edition of the Tour de France at a gala evening held at Montecasino on Thursday.
Photo credit: Orica-GreenEdge / Graham Watson
Impey’s achievement was heralded by Sports and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) for being the first South African, and first African, ever to wear the yellow jersey during the grueling 3-week Tour.
Cycling SA President William Newman praised Impey, and the positive growth and momentum of cycling from the continent.
Minister of SRSA Fikile Mbalula said that it is time to acknowledge our true heroes of the country, those hard workers that shed blood, sweat and tears, and make our nation proud.
Also at the function was the South African Proteas netball team, the baby Proteas U21 netball team, as well as the first black jockey to win the Durban July Handicap, Mr Simanga Khumalo.
Incentives were handed out by Minister Mbalula and Director General of SRSA Mr. Alec Moemi. Each of the Proteas netball players and Daryl Impey received a cheque to the value of R15000, while Khumalo received a cheque for R20000.
Well, I think R15k is a bit of a joke when compared to other sports have paid athletes. However, with all due respect to other sports, being able to say you wore the Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France, thats priceless! No international news agency will look back at the 2010 world cup and praise SA for the single goal they scored in the first round, as their performance was anything but historic. But this years Tour, the 100th edition, everyone will look back and say "that was the Tour with the first South African to wear THE Yellow jersey"
Daryl is now a part of Tour history. Sad that our sports minister and his bootylicious mates cannot see it for what it is. And besides, if they gave Daryl a larger amount, there would be less cash available for the big sports awards party that he wants to put on. Because lets be fair, all our athletes deserve a performance from Beyonce!