Circus-Wanty Gobert continues its recruitment with the arrival of Louis Meintjes. The South-African returns to Belgium, after his U23 period with the Belgian team UC Seraing. Meintjes then became pro in 2014 with MTN-Qhubeka and immediately won the national title.The early talent and specialist in the high mountains showed his capabilities at the highest international level with two 8th places at the Tour de France (2016, 2017) with Lampre/UAE. Meintjes also excelled on the Spanish roads of the Vuelta by finishing 10th (2015) and 12th (2017). The resident of Andorra won the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, finished 7th at the Olympic Games in Rio and 8th at the Critérium du Dauphiné. Big results are lacking since his return to the South-African structure NTT, but the only 28 year old wants to reboost his career in the colors of Circus-Wanty Gobert. The South-African will be an asset for the mountainous stage races and the Grand Tours.
Louis Meintjes:
« My arrival within Circus-Wanty Gobert is a new challenge in my career. But the Belgian atmosphere is pretty familiar. It all started in Belgium for me, before becoming a professional. I can’t wait to return to the Belgian cycling culture, it will bring new perspectives. »
« Next year, I want to focus on a Grand Tour and shine. I also want to show that I’m still able to reach my best level in one week World tour races, like the Tour of Catalunya or the Critérium du Dauphiné. I’m looking forward to know the definitive calendar for 2021, and especially the courses, in order to prepare the races which correspond best to my capabilities. »
Aike Visbeek (Performance Manager):
« By adding Louis Meintjes to our squad, we reinforce our team for the mountainous World Tour races. He’s already proven his capabilities by finishing twice in the top 10 of the Tour de France. We’re convinced that his career can continue crescendo with Circus-Wanty Gobert. Louis reached a mature age, and this new ambitious environment in full growth will motivate him to step up to a higher level. We will establish a programme which suits him, focused on mountainous World Tour stage races like the Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné or the Tour de France. »
