Louis Meintjes has been one of Africa's most influencial riders over the last decade and almost a decade after his last win as an upcoming stage-racer, he's confirmed even further the motivation and success that the Intermarché team are current going through.
It is an unbelievable feeling to be a part of such a strong team," Meintjes said after what was his first win since the 2015 Settimana Coppi e Bartali. He found himself in the front group over the many ascents of the recent Giro dell'Appennino, before he used team strategy for his win: "I slowed down a little to enable Georg Zimmermann to join us. I still had good legs and his presence would make it easier to slip away," and so he did with seven kilometers to go.
From 2015 to 2017 Meintjes emerged as a Grand Tour contender, having finished four times inside or just outside the Top10. His unique racing tactics - always in the back of the group - has made him a regular sight on the TV cameras, however not for the best reasons over the last few years as he's struggled with getting the same results. Having finished second atop Mount Etna over at the Giro di Sicilia, he came close, but his Italian calendar gave him the chance to succeed the way he hasn't for many years.
This victory came a little unexpected and that's why it tastes so sweet," he added. "I'm traveling to the Critérium du Dauphiné with a reinforced confidence," where he will be leading Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux alongside Jan Hirt in the search of GC success.
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