Louis Meintjes rejoins Dimension Data to bolster team's GC options

Move frees up space for bigger-name GC riders to join UAE Team Emirates

Louis Meintjes at the 2017 Tour de France

(Image credit: Yuzuru Sunada)

Louis Meintjes will rejoin Dimension Data in 2018, agreeing a deal to return to the South African team after two years at Lampre-Merida/UAE Team Emirates.

The South African rider started his professional career at what was then MTN-Qhubeka in 2013, before moving to Lampre-Merida at the start of 2015.

However Meintjes, who finished eighth at the recent Tour de France, is now moving back to Dimension Data, as UAE Team Emirates looks to bring in more established GC riders, with possible moves for Fabio Aru and Dan Martin.

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"I am super excited to be coming back home to an African team," Meintjes said. "My choice to come home was easy, as Team Dimension Data stands out from other professional teams.

"In the past two years I’ve gained tremendous experience from a European team, and I aim to use that experience to contribute to the success of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. African cycling has stepped up to a world class level over the last five years."

Meintjes will join Dimension Data as their main GC rider, with sprinters such as Mark Cavendish and Edvald Boasson Hagen providing options for flatter stages.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.