Dimension Data have named their eight-man team to compete in the 21-stage Vuelta a Espana, which starts on Saturday.
South Africa’s Louis Meintjes, who also took on a leadership role at the Giro d’Italia this year before having to withdraw due to illness in the last week, will spearhead the team.
South Africa’s Louis Meintjes will be leading Dimension Data at the Vuelta a Espana, starting on Saturday. Photo: Stiehl Photography
Meintjes will be targeting a top general classification result, who will be assisted by Spain’s Igor Anton and Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus on the mountain stages.
Following a challenging year so far, Meintjes said he was looking forward to the tour.
“We have worked hard to prepare well and build up for the Vuelta,” he said. “At Vuelta a Burgos, I think we definitely showed that we were on the right track as the entire team rode really well.
“With the same team as in Burgos, now heading to La Vuelta, we have some positive momentum going into the race.”
He will aim for consistency over the three weeks, Meintjes said.
“Certainly, three weeks of racing is a different kind of beast but the goal for me is to be consistent throughout, take advantage when I am feeling good and try to achieve the best GC result possible.”
SA’s Ryan Gibbons will take part in his second Grand Tour of the season – after the Giro – and he will again target the sprint stages.
His compatriot Johann van Zyl, Britain’s Steve Cummins and America’s Ben King will be laying the foundation throughout the tour.
Eritrea’s Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier will be making his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta and he will be tasked primarily to gain experience, while playing a supporting role.
Line-up
Louis Meintjes (RSA)
Igor Anton (Esp)
Merhawi Kudus (Eri)
Ryan Gibbons (RSA)
Steve Cummings (Gbr)
Ben King (USA)
Johann van Zyl (RSA)
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (Eri)
