After a successful Tour, Louis Meintjes is setting his sights on Olympic glory. Could we see him getting a medal in Rio? We chatted with him about the Tour and what his plans are for the rest of the season.
Stage 20 – photo Graham Watson/BettiniPhoto©2016
What were your expectations going into the Tour?
I was hoping to be up there and wanted to go for GC, but it’s hard to predict beforehand because it’s not just about how well you ride, it is also about how well your competitors ride. If you told me before the Tour that I’d get a result inside the top 10, I would have taken it and been happy.
Many people said you made a mistake when you moved from MTN-Qhubeka to Lampre-Merida. It’s pretty clear now that it was a good move, how has the support from the team been?
The support has been absolutely amazing. The guys gave everything they could in the Tour. The first part of the season didn’t go according to plan and I had a lot of bad luck, sometimes that happens. Finally though, at the Dauphine and the Tour, everything went seamlessly.
Fans in SA are saying you could be a Yellow Jersey contender in the future, how do you feel about that?
Hopefully I end up being talented enough and good enough, it’s always nice to dream and aim for something. However, at the end of my career, I just want to feel happy that I gave it my all.
Stage 20 – Photo Luca Bettini/BettiniPhoto©2016
The Olympic road race route looks like it could work in your favour, what are your hopes for the race?
I definitely want to be up there. It’s hard to say that I want to come back with a medal, because it depends on so many different things. I definitely want to go there and be part of the race and not just be a number. However, I’ve done a few Grand Tours now so I will have to see how my body goes after an effort like this. The next two weeks will be very important for me.
What inspires you to get on the bike day-in-day-out?
The challenge. You aim for something and try to make that challenge work. It’s great to put in the effort then go to a race and see if you achieve the results.
What do you miss most about living in SA full time?
The people and the culture and being able to relate to everyone. You get to know the Italian culture and the cultures of other European countries, but you never relate to it one hundred percent, like the way that you do to your own country. There is no place like home.
Any words of encouragement for the young cyclists in SA hoping to turn pro one day?
There is no reason why you can’t do it. If you’re willing to put in the effort and make the sacrifices, it becomes possible. Most young up coming riders are talented enough to become professional. You might not win the Tour de France but if you’re willing to give it your all, there is no reason why you can’t be in the pro peloton.
via Bicycling » Tour de France http://ift.tt/2a43A6w
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