We completed Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda by Bergamasca last week. It was a three-day race in Italy. The race was a bit different to a pure climbing race because in all three stages, the race was flat until a massive climb at the end. So you’re fighting for position the whole day, trying to stay out of the wind and covering moves while trying not to waste too much energy. It was a good test because you have to concentrate for three hours to get to the climb in good condition and then make a huge effort for 10 minutes at the finish.
I learnt so much in this race because I was close to the front the whole time so I could learn some of the tactics in terms of when the best time is to attack and when is the best time to just sit in.
My form is quite good at the moment and the team decided to support me. My job was to just sit in and the team looked after me so that I could get to the finish fresh. All the finishes suited me because it was uphill and to my strengths and I was feeling quite good. I was very happy because I was in the mix at the finish where normally you either lose contact before the finish or you lose contact on the flats.
It’s quite weird being in a leadership position. It puts on extra stress because if you don’t perform you feel like you’re not just disappointing yourself but your teammates too. On the last day I felt pretty good and it gave me a lot of confidence but on another day when you’re not feeling so good it can be a little overwhelming.
I’ve been learning a lot by watching all the favourites race, taking a look at what they do and when they do it. Having an experienced rider like Sergio Pardilla in the team is great because after the race on the bus he’ll tell me things I may not have noticed or realised so that helps me so much. During the race I try to observe a lot but it’s great to have a debrief after the race with him and go through everything.
My next race is World Championships. I have been selected to do the ITT and the road race for the South African under 23 team. I am not sure what I will be able to do because world’s is always crazy and it’s just a fight for position the whole race but my goal is to be satisfied with the effort I put in. I’d love to get a good result but after the race I want to be able to say I couldn’t have done more. Beyond that, I would love to be selected for IL Lombardia. We have been invited to the race and if I am selected, it will be my first WorldTour race. That would be very exciting.
Louis Meintjes
