“I think I’d been considering it for a few years already” — South African climber reflects on retirement and a decade-long career

After over a decade in the professional peloton, South African climber Louis Meintjes has decided to bring his career to a close. He got seven professional wins, including one stage at la Vuelta a España and the infamous 2024 Itzulia Basque Country stage, in which a massive crash forced Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic to abandon.

Reflecting on his decision, Meintjes admitted that stepping away had been on his mind for quite some time, much before 2025. “I think I’d been considering it for a few years already and now it’s simply a good moment,” he said.

When asked if that recent merger between Intermarché and Lotto had affected his decision, Meintjes was clear. “I wouldn’t say so. I could always look for another team if I wanted to, I know many would have taken me. For me, that wasn’t the most important factor to retire. I realise that for many riders it’s becoming difficult, not just with us. Some teams have lost sponsorships. So maybe it’s not the easiest time to find a new contract, but for me personally, that wasn’t the reason.”

Across 13 years as a professional, Meintjes built a reputation as a quiet and steady competitor. When asked to evaluate his career, he expressed satisfaction with his approach to racing. “Yes, I’m quite happy. For me, the result was never the most important thing. If I didn’t win but had a good race, if I gave everything, that was fine,” he explained.

“I was lucky enough to win around ten times, even some important races, but what mattered most to me was giving 100 percent. If I felt I had done all I could, that was enough. So yes, looking back now, I think I gave it everything I had, and I’m happy with that.”

His most cherished memory came at the Vuelta a España, where he finally crossed the line first after years of coming close. “I think the victory at the Vuelta was very beautiful because it’s different when you win. When you finish first, it’s something really special,” he said, referring to his 2022 stage win at Les Praeres.

“But finishing in the top ten at the Tour de France is also special, only you really realise that one or two years later, when you understand what a great result it was. In the moment, you don’t feel it as much. So now I appreciate it more, especially because I managed it three times in what is the biggest race of the season.”

For years, Meintjes was South Africa’s most visible figure in the European peloton. Asked about the state of cycling in his home country, he acknowledged both progress and difficulties.

“I think our cycling goes through ups and downs. Right now, maybe it’s not at its peak because it’s hard to emerge without big teams in South Africa. When we had Qhubeka [current Q36.5, now Swiss instead of South African], it was an important channel and gave our activity visibility. But I think cycling is followed by many more people now, and it’s much more popular than when I started.”

He illustrated that growth with a simple anecdote. “At the beginning, many people didn’t understand that I was a professional cyclist and that it was my job. But now, if I tell someone in South Africa that I was a professional cyclist, they understand it’s like football or another sport where you can have a full and financially stable career.”

As for what comes next, Meintjes admitted he hasn’t yet settled on a plan. “That’s a good question, because I don’t know,” he confessed. “I don’t have any plans yet. First, I want to take some time to rest and really think about what I want to do. I didn’t want to make a decision while I was still racing and tired from all the competitions. I need to unwind after more than a decade in a routine. I want to think about what excites me now and what new project could be nice to take on.”

The 32-year-old also reflected on how professional cycling has evolved, especially with younger generations dominating the sport. “I really think so,” he said when asked if older riders will become rarer in the future.

“Examples like mine will become exceptions, also because riders start earlier. After ten years at the top level, you start seeing life differently. So if they start young, they’ll probably stop young too. Teams now tend to look for the next champion, so they prefer to take a risk and sign a new young rider hoping he’ll be something special, rather than continue with an older one who they know can deliver results - maybe not the best, but consistent,” he concluded.