Steve Cummings joins seven African riders in MTN-Qhubeka's Vuelta a España squad
Two riders return from MTN-Qhubeka's Tour de France squad with seven Africans being named in their team for the Vuelta a España
Tour de France stage winner Steve Cummings will ride his second Grand Tour of the year after being named in MTN-Qhubeka's Vuelta a España squad.
The African team have been handed a wildcard to the Spanish Tour and have included seven riders from their native continent, only one of whom rode the Tour.
South African climber Louis Meintjes joins Cummings as the returning riders having been forced to end his Tour early with a severe stomach illness.
Fellow South Africans Songezo Jim, Jaco Venter, Jay Robert Thomson and Johann van Zyl are also in the squad, as well as Youcef Reguigui (Algeria) and Natnael Berhane (Eritrea). Italian Kristian Sbaragli is the ninth rider in the squad for the three week race.
Cummings clinched MTN-Qhubeka's first Grand Tour win at the Tour with a storming victory on Mandela Day on stage 14.
With nine summit finishes and a number of lumpy stages throughout the Vuelta, MTN will be confident of adding to their win tally when the race kicks off on August 22.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
You can now own a new Pinarello race bike for just £3000 - so what's the catch?
Pinarello's new F1 retails for just £3000/$3500 - has the Italian superbike manufacturer just become a value brand?
By Joe Baker Published
-
The fatality rate for cycling is disproportionately high - but the health risks of letting cars do all the work are far greater
Far too many of us know the dangers of riding a bike, but that shouldn’t put us off it
By Adam Becket Published
-
Fabio Aru officially signs for Qhubeka-Assos as he looks to reboot his career
Fabio Aru finally announces that he will be joining Qhubeka-Assos for the 2021 season after several transfer rumours went around
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'Cycling has been my life for 20 years': Enrico Gasparrotto calls time on his career at 38
Enrico Gasparotto has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 38 after a very successful career spanning 16 years for eight teams, winning various races
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
‘I’m still coming to terms with what happened’: Nic Dlamini responds after having his arm broken by park rangers
Nic Dlamini says he’s still “coming to terms with what happened” after he was injured by park rangers during an altercation over Christmas.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
He may be missing the Tour, but don’t write off Mark Cavendish just yet
He may have missed out on selection for the Tour, but Mark Cavendish has made a career out of bouncing back
By Peter Cossins Published
-
How you can buy Mark Cavendish’s Cervélo S5
Lovers of cycling memorabilia can now pick up a piece of history, in the shape of Mark Cavendish’s Cervélo S5.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Mark Cavendish to stay with Dimension Data through 2019, according to reports
Star sprinter Mark Cavendish will race in 2019 with Dimension Data after reaching a last-minute deal for an additional year, according to reports.
By Gregor Brown Published
-
How Scott Davies’ dream to turn pro in the WorldTour nearly didn’t happen
Scott Davies thought his dream to turn pro had been dashed by ill health and ill fortune, but determination and no little talent saw him taken on by Dimension Data. He tells Sophie Smith about his transformational year
By Sophie Smith Published
-
‘I am definitely in it to win it’: Mark Cavendish set for Six Day London return
Mark Cavendish set to take part in the Six Day London event in Lee Valley Velodrome over October 23-28 2018
By Nigel Wynn Published