South African Louis Meintjes has been named African cyclist of the year.
The organisers of the trophy, Tropicale Amissa Bongo, announced the winner’s name this afternoon.
South African Louis Meintjes won the African cyclist of the year trophy for the second time in 2017. Photo: Tour de France
Meintjes, who also won the award in 2013, is now the only cyclist who has achieved the distinction twice.
And he remains the only South African chosen as the continent’s top rider since the award was introduced six years ago.
The 25-year-old, who recently joined Team Dimension Data, has been prominent on the world stage almost all year.
He finished eighth overall in the Tour de France, eighth overall in the Criterium du Dauphine and sixth overall in the Tour of the Basque Country.
“It’s a huge honour,” Meintjes said today. “I am grateful for the support from the people of Africa. I hope I can keep the continent’s flag flying high in 2018.”
Meintjes was one of four South Africans nominated for the 2017 award. The others were Daryl Impey, Willie Smit and Ryan Gibbons.
