Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka have confirmed that former rider Louis Meintjes will return 'home' in 2018, signalling a change in the team's ambitions for future Tours de France.
The 25-year-old South African last rode for the team in 2015, when it was still known as MTN-Qhubeka and has since continued his rise as one of the premium climbers in the pro peloton at Lampre-Merida and UAE Team Emirates, which the Italy-based outfit morphed into this year.
Meintjes, who is among the pack of younger riders slated for future grand tour glory, placed eighth in the General Classification at the 2016 and 2017 Tour de France, having made his debut at the iconic race in 2015.
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka has long stated its ambition as being to take African cycling to the highest level, not least by competing for the overall title at the biggest races on the calendar and Meintjes' signing is a further step in that direction.
"I am super excited to be coming back home to an African team, and to work with the Qhubeka charity once again," Meintjes says in a team press release.
"My choice to come home was easy, as Team Dimension Data stands out from other professional teams. They don't only ride to win, but also for a more important cause -- to mobilise people on bicycles in Africa."
DiData have become a team of choice, as the signing of cycling superstar Mark Cavendish in 2016 proved and subsequent arrivals of talented young pros like Scott Thwaites (England) and Ben O'Connor (Australia) and South African sprinter Ryan Gibbons. Furthermore, the loyalty of the team's other well-known riders like Englishman Steve Cummings (who won Le Tour stages in 2015 and 2016), Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen (who claimed a win for the team in this year's race) and Daniel Teklehaimanot from Eritrea have shown a team with the right culture to maintain success.
Meintjes' return was always on the cards, but he does so with the pedigree of putting Africa's team in the running for the highest-profile tours and stage races for years to come.
"In the past two years I've gained tremendous experience from a European team, and I aim to use that experience to contribute to the success of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. African cycling has stepped up to a world class level over the last five years. I want to thank [team founder] Doug Ryder and Team Dimension Data for believing in me. Together, we can take Africa's team to the top step of the podium by 2020."
For his part, Ryder is overjoyed to have Meintjes return to a team with whom he made his first strides as a professional rider.
"Louis was a part of our initial journey and we are delighted to have him rejoin our team as we embark on the next part of the team's dream. Our aim is to podium at a grand tour and to go beyond the magic number of 100 000 bicycles distributed through the Qhubeka charity to people in communities. This team has realised the dreams of many riders and children in communities through sheer dedication, commitment and purpose and we look forward to continuing this success and strategy. We believe that Louis has the potential to stand on the top step of the podium in the World Tour stage races taking African cycling development to new heights."