Team MTN-Qhubeka’s Louis Meintjes was forced to retire from the 2015 Tour de France due to illness before the start of stage 18, which took place from Gap to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne today.
Team MTN-Qhubeka’s Louis Meintjes was forced to retire from the 2015 Tour de France due to illness before the start of stage 18 today. Photo: Gruber Images
The South African rider fell ill on Wednesday morning and struggled to finish yesterday’s stage complaining of stomach cramps. He was later diagnosed with Gastroenteritis.
Meintjes’ team mate Serge Pauwels claimed another top 10 spot for MTN-Qhubeka, finishing in sixth position today.
Despite being short a team member, the African team are second in the overall team classification after stage 18.
AG2R-La Mondiale’s Romain Bardet won the 186.5km stage today, with Team Sky’s Chris Froome still holding on to the yellow jersey in the overall classification.
Top 10 stage 18 results:
1. Romain Bardet AG2R-La Mondiale (Fra) 5:03:40
2. Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar +00:33
3. Winner Anacona (Col) Movistar Team +00:59
4. Bob Jungels (Lux) Trek Factory Racing +00:59
5. Jakob Fuglsang (Den) Astana +00:59
6. Serge Pauwels Team MTN-Qhubeka +01:01
7. Cyril Gautier (Fra) Team Europcar +01:50
8. Damiano Caruso (Ita) BMC Racing +01:50
9. Andrew Talansky (USA) Team Cannondale-Garmin +01:55
10. Warren Barguil (Fra) Giant-Alpecin +03:02
Top 10 overall standings after stage 18:
1. Christopher Froome (GBr) Team Sky 74:13:31
2. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar Team +03:10
3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team +04:09
4. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Team Sky +06:34
5. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff-Saxo +06:40
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Lotto NL-Jumbo +07:39
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana +08:04
8. Mathias Frank (Swe) IAM Cycling +08:47
9. Blake Mollema (Ned) Trek Factory +12:06
10. Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R-La Mondiale +13:02
Selected:
14. Serge Pauwels (Bel) Team MTN-Qhubeka + 18:06
For more Team MTN-Qhubeka news, photos and results go to Tour de France.
