Meintjes holds on to top 10 GC standing

UAE Team Emirates’ Louis Meintjes has held on to eighth place in the General Classification (GC) standings after strong crosswinds marred stage 16 of the Tour de France. With 15km to go and the peloton splitting, Meintjes joined fellow GC contender Dan Martin (Quick-Step Floors) at the back of the pack, finishing the race in 29th place.

Australian Michael Matthew (Team Sunweb) took the stage victory in a photo finish with Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), whilst Chris Froome (Team Sky) retains the Yellow Jersey for stage 17.

Commenting on today’s difficult stage, Louis Meintjes said: “I’m disappointed of course. I don’t know if we will change the tactics over the next days. We have to wait and see starting tomorrow, but I don’t think I’m the only guy to lose time today. Maybe it changes things a little, but that is racing.” 

The Tour hits The Alps on stage 17 of the Tour as riders face a very uphill task with a category two, one and two hors category climbs on the 183km course. Climbing specialists will relish the opportunity to gain some crucial seconds and we can expect the breakaway to play a pivotal role in today’s race. Should there be a bunched decent as riders head towards Serre Chevalier, we could see a sprint finish decide the stage winner.

Stage 16 results  

1 Michael Matthews (Aus) Team Sunweb 3:38:15

2 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Dimension Data s.t.

3 John Degenkolb (Ger) Trek Segafredo s.t.

29 Louis Meintjes (SA) UAE Team Emirates +51’’

General Classification results after stage 16

1 Christopher Froome (GBr) Team Sky 68:18:36

2 Fabio Aru (Ita) Astana Pro Team +18’’

3 Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R La Monidale +23’’

8 Louis Meintjes (SA) UAE Team Emirates +6’00’’