In an interview with CyclingTips, South African Louis Meintjies states that he is looking to win his first race in Europe in 2015. The current South African road race champion has finished fifth in the Giro del Trentino and targets more success this year.

“We are supported really well by the team, and the only thing you can do as a rider is to make sure you put the work in so that you are in the right condition on the start line,” he said, speaking to CyclingTips about the Tour de France and its route.

“I think the second half of the race will suit myself and some of the other climbers in the team. It would be the first time we would go there as a team so it’s hard to put too many specific goals down. But we will definitely look for opportunities like we did in the Vuelta.”

The 22 year old needs his MTN-Qhubeka team to get a wild card entry to the Tour but having performed well in the Vuelta a Espana, his and the team’s debut Grand Tour, he knows they have a good shot at making it to the Tour.

He sets himself a career goal of becoming a good GC rider in the future and being able to challenge for Grand Tours season after season.

“Ultimately I’d like to become a well rounded GC contender and get to the level of the top guys, so every year it’s making sure that the progression is there,” he said.

“I feel like I am progressing all the time and I hope 2015 will be the first time I can pull off a win in Europe."

“I came very close in Giro del Trentino. I think the race will be in my program again and I will definitely target the mountain stages in similar races.”

The team has signed several high profile names in order to receive wild cards for the biggest races and Meintjes thinks that the team is progressing well. The majority of the new guys are sprinters, but there are some new riders who Meintjes believes can help him too.

“There’s also guys like Serge Pauwels and Stephen Cummings who will no doubt share their experience with myself and the other young guys, in terms of timing attacks and covering the right moves.”

“Those things only come through experience and it’s great to have these guys to help us.”