Triple World champion Oscar Freire has signed a new contract extension with Rabobank, electing to see out his career with the Dutch team. The 34-year-old has been with the orange team since 2003 and was previously contracted until the end of this season; his latest extension means that he will continue to race until the end of 2011.
"Basically, 2011 will be my last year,” explained Freire. “I have said to the team during our talks. 2011 should be another record year, I am still physically capable; mentally too. But I doubt if I can muster the mental strength once again for another year after 2011. If I’m world champion in 2011? I think that is an option, which ensures that I still go ahead one year. Another year in the rainbow jersey would be very nice."
The Spaniard is one of only four riders who have won the World Championships three times, alongside Alfredo Binda, Rik Van Steenbergen and Eddy Merckx; a fourth rainbow jersey would be an outright record. His win in 1999 in Verona, Italy effectively saved his career as he was about to be dropped by the Vitalicio Seguros team; he won again in Lisbon, Portugal in 2001, then in 2004 he repeated his first victory as he won in Verona once more.
After deciding that he would continue racing, the decision to stay at Rabobank was a simple one for Freire. "For several reasons,” he said. “This is my team. Only Grischa Niermann has been with the team for longer. I am very happy here, the people know me well and vice versa. From day one in 2003 I have felt at home at Rabobank and that's still true.“
It is important for “Oscarito” that he rides out the rest of his career competitively, something he believes is possible. "Physically, I‘m very well and I know I can do it,” he said. “I think cycling is still great fun. What the main objective for 2011 for me is that I really want to do well, to go one hundred percent and not to go on a farewell tour.
“For me, the chances of a good farewell at Rabobank are optimal,” he continued. “I'm still fresh in my head. I want to ride well in 2011, and then good-bye. But yes, if I am world champion there is another problem..."
Freire started the season well, winning the Trofeo Cala Millor round of the Mallorca challenge and two stages of the Ruta del Sol, before taking his third career victory in the Milano-Sanremo. He then took two stages in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and was all set to ride the Giro d’Italia when was forced to pull out with sinus problems. These are behind him for now, he says.
"I am completely healthy and enjoyed a short rest with my family in Spain,” he explained. “I have consulted several doctors with my breathing because I have nose issues almost every winter. An operation can prevent problems in the future, but that is not for now; I’ll leave that for the winter. The recovery takes a week and then the problem is definitely over."
Freire will line up as part of the Rabobank team in next month’s Tour de France, aiming to add to his personal tally of 4 stage wins. He will also be out to take a second green points jersey to add to the one he took in 2008.