As a soft spoken, 58kg, diminutive South African, Louis Meintjes has not spent a huge amount of time in the media's eye, preferring his riding and results do the talking.

However he is a rider to whom all aspiring World Tour riders from Africa - and around the world - should pay attention. He has ridden in 20 Grand Tours, including 7 editions of the Tour de France, which is more than any other African rider. His GC 7th in the 2022 edition being a career highlight, among other great results that year.

Now at home in Andorra learning how to parent two new-borns, Louis spoke candidly to us about his journey in the sport; the struggles in his early years trying to make it in Belgium; being motivated by the successes of Robbie Hunter and the late Burry Stander; how he maintained his motivation and belief; the pain of cobbles; riding on the Intermarché - Wanty team and seeing the rise of Biniam Girmay; and his insights for young riders on how to try and make it in cycling.

Thanks to Louis for his truly open and honest discussion through becoming and maintaining a professional cycling career!