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Neutral Service TdF24-85
When a rider doesn't have access to his team car, he can get help from neutral service. Louis Meintjes (Intermache-Wanty) had the misfortune to have a flat tire while helping to get the early breakaway started. His team car had not yet got through the peloton, so it was the Shimano neutral service mechanic who gave him a rear wheel and installed it too. Despite it being a good fast change, it meant that the South African's time in the break was over. He dropped back to the peloton. He then looked for his team car and got a wheel that fit his specks. For some reason, he later had another bike change which spelled the end of his day. He finished the day 28th a just over twenty-two minutes behind the stage winner. Had he not had these misfortunes he might have had a chance at the stage win. He is a good climber.