Louis Meintjes suffers sunburn on training ride as jersey offers little protection
Mesh-style material of South African Louis Meintjes's jersey did not provide enough protection from the sun's rays
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Louis Meintjes has started his 2018 season with an unpleasant case of sunburn. The South African cyclist posted a photograph of his red back on Twitter on Saturday after a training ride.
"Rookie mistake," the 25-year-old from Pretoria commented next to the image.
The Dimension Data rider's bib shorts and heart-rate monitor strap left a crisp white cross on his back, as the mesh fabric of his jersey evidently let in the sun's ultra-violet rays.
Australian pro rider Rachel Neylan replied: "Louiiiiiis! Has your Aussie friend not taught you anything?"
Others offered their sympathy to Meintjes, and suggested ways in which he could relieve his temporary discomfort.
But some were slightly less sympathetic.
Meintjes is far from the first cyclist to get burnt by the sun. Chris Froome suffered a similar sunburnt back in 2014. His wife, Michelle Cound, posted an image of the sunburn saying "The danger with wearing mesh jerseys… #ouch".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVoFpEyh_I
The Dimension Data team welcomed Meintjes back for 2018. He rode for the South African squad between 2013 and 2015 before spending two years with Lampre-Merida/UAE Team Emirates.
He has placed eighth in the last two editions of the Tour de France, and will lead Dimension Data at the Giro d'Italia in May – the first time that he has taken part in the Italian Grand Tour.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Tailfin Top Tube Pack review - the all new range has been a resounding success
if you're fussy about details, this could one for you
By Stefan Abram • Published
-
Shimano issues stop riding and recall notice on Pro Vibe alloy stems
Company says cracks can form in Vibe Stems purchased since May 2020
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Fabio Aru officially signs for Qhubeka-Assos as he looks to reboot his career
Fabio Aru finally announces that he will be joining Qhubeka-Assos for the 2021 season after several transfer rumours went around
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
'Cycling has been my life for 20 years': Enrico Gasparrotto calls time on his career at 38
Enrico Gasparotto has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 38 after a very successful career spanning 16 years for eight teams, winning various races
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
‘I’m still coming to terms with what happened’: Nic Dlamini responds after having his arm broken by park rangers
Nic Dlamini says he’s still “coming to terms with what happened” after he was injured by park rangers during an altercation over Christmas.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
He may be missing the Tour, but don’t write off Mark Cavendish just yet
He may have missed out on selection for the Tour, but Mark Cavendish has made a career out of bouncing back
By Peter Cossins • Published
-
How you can buy Mark Cavendish’s Cervélo S5
Lovers of cycling memorabilia can now pick up a piece of history, in the shape of Mark Cavendish’s Cervélo S5.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Mark Cavendish to stay with Dimension Data through 2019, according to reports
Star sprinter Mark Cavendish will race in 2019 with Dimension Data after reaching a last-minute deal for an additional year, according to reports.
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
How Scott Davies’ dream to turn pro in the WorldTour nearly didn’t happen
Scott Davies thought his dream to turn pro had been dashed by ill health and ill fortune, but determination and no little talent saw him taken on by Dimension Data. He tells Sophie Smith about his transformational year
By Sophie Smith • Published
-
‘I am definitely in it to win it’: Mark Cavendish set for Six Day London return
Mark Cavendish set to take part in the Six Day London event in Lee Valley Velodrome over October 23-28 2018
By Nigel Wynn • Published