Laurens Smitz Meintjes

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Laurens Smitz Meintjes (* 9. June 1868 in Aberdeen , Cape Colony , † the 30th March 1941 ) was a cyclist from South Africa , the 1893 with the first train Cycling World Championships in Chicago stayer was world champion of amateurs.

Meintjes worked as a manager of several gold mines in South Africa and as such traveled a lot by bike. In 1891 he was persuaded to take part in bicycle races. He was probably the first person in South Africa to ride a bicycle with pneumatic tires.

In 1893 Meintjes was named by his club to take part in the World Bicycle Exhibition in Chicago, during which the first official world championships were held. There Meintjes won the championship over 62 miles behind Pacemaker (at that time still without a motor). During this race he set several records. When he returned to South Africa in November 1893, he was greeted by a huge, enthusiastic crowd.

Meintjes was the first sports star in South Africa and the first world champion to come from Africa. In 1894 he retired from active sport to sell bicycles himself.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Meintjes, Laurens Smitz
BRIEF DESCRIPTION South African cyclist
DATE OF BIRTH June 9, 1868
PLACE OF BIRTH Aberdeen (South Africa)
DATE OF DEATH March 30, 1941