MTN-Qhubeka’s Louis Meintjes. Photo: Craig Dutton
MTN-Qhubeka’s Jay Thomson and Louis Meintjes surged to silver and gold medals respectively in the elite and U23 categories of the South African time-trial championships on Thursday.
The event took place over 33 kilometres and Thomson’s time of 43:09 was 16 seconds slower than that of Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge).
“Of course I am happy because I’ve won a medal and because I came second to a rider of Daryl Impey’s caliber.
“But in the same breath I am disappointed because this is the third year in a row that I’ve come second,” said Thomson.
“It’s bittersweet because I’ve closed the gap between Daryl and I. In 2011, he beat me by over a minute in the time-trial and today it was only 16 seconds so I am stepping up my game which is important but obviously the jersey is most beautiful to wear.”
Along with winning the under 23 category, Meintjes finished fourth overall, missing the elite podium by only six seconds.
“I am very happy but especially because I moved up in total against the elites,” said the 21-year-old. “Last year I was seventh overall so I am happy to be fourth.
“I didn’t synchronise my power meter properly so it was a little confusing when I started and I couldn’t see what power I was pushing out but I changed my game plan and after that I started feeling good because I think I paced myself well and felt good.”
“I think it’s an encouraging result before Sunday’s road race,” said Thomson. “I would have liked to have had some more racing in my legs but I can still go into Sunday with confidence.
“I have a strong team around me and, like today, we will give it everything we have and we will see what comes from it.”
