Meintjes close to new MTN-Qhubeka deal

Despite interest from several WorldTour teams, Louis Meintjes is prepared to pen a new deal with his MTN-Qhubeka squad.

The 23-year-old South African is riding at the Arctic Race of Norway and is building up to ride his third Grand Tour, his second Vuelta leading the South African team.

“It’s still undecided and I’m out of contract. There’s quite a bit of interest but we’ll see. MTN is a good place, that’s all I’m saying. This team is always growing, I don’t see this place as a limiting factor,” Meintjes told Cyclingnews.

His agent added a bit more detail to the statement from Meintjes, saying he felt Meintjes would be better off staying at his current squad.

“A few teams have been asking about him but his future lies with MTN. The team is backing him for the future and I think staying is in his best interests. That’s where he’ll end up,” his agent said.

Reportedly, Astana were one of the WorldTour teams interested in the talented climber.