Louis Meintjes is touted as a Grand Tour star of the future and one of the most exciting talents in the professional peloton. In an interview with Ciclismo Internacional, he discussed a 2014 that saw him ride his first Grand Tour and what lies in store for the young South African in 2015.

Meintjes year got off to a great start when he took his first ever National Road Race Championship, beating Darly Impey, a notable fast finisher, in a sprint. This signalled a huge moment for the young man.

“It really meant a lot. It gave me a lot of confidence and I think it was really good for my career going forward. It has been a really special year wearing the jersey and very happy that I got the opportunity so early in my career.”

Meintjes then went on to show his stage racing potential in the Giro del Trentino, a tough, hilly race that Giro d’Italia contenders use as their final warm up race before the Italian Grand Tour. He finished fifth on GC and second behind Mikel Landa on the tough Monte Bondone climb.

“It’s a race that really suits me and I really like it. Already at the bottom of the climb I could feel I was having a good day. And the previous days gave me a lot of confidence. I was really happy with my 2nd place but also sad because the win felt so close.”

Meintjes also finished his first Liege-Bastogne-Liege in a very respectable 61st position for someone so young. He says that it also suits him well and he hopes to return to the race to doe even better in the future.

“Also a race I really like and that I think can suit me. I really want to go back to it and focus on it as one of my goal races in the future.”

On stage 14 of the Vuelta, Meintjes and MTN-Qhubek’s debut Grand Tour, he got in the break that would ultimately contest the win, with Meintjes finishing fifth behind established, experienced names like Hesjedal, Zaugg, Erviti and Kolobnev.

“It is one really steep climb and having to do it after being in the break all day was pretty hard. It was one of my hardest days on the bike ever.”

And how does he sum up his first ever three-week race, which he did well to finish after hitting the tarmac early on in the race?

“I am happy. Of course it could have gone better. But I learned a lot and gained a lot of confidence, so it was good.”

Meintjes summed up his 2014 and outlined his objectives for his 2015, which looks set to be another big year for the 22 year old.

“I think it was a good year. I can see that I have made progress from the year before so I am happy. (As for 2015) Just to keep on improving. And hopefully get a win in Europe.”

MTN has brought in riders from the WorldTour like Goss, Farrar, Boasson Hagen, Bos, Berhane, Pauwels and Cummings, which Meintjes hopes can get the team into bigger races for next year. The last three men will be able to help the South African in the mountains, but he shakes off the extra pressure and responsibility that may bring.

“I can only give 100% there is nothing more you can do.”