Having first considered retiring in 2010, then suggesting he will continue until the end of 2011, Oscar Freire now appears to be further delaying the day he gives up competition.
The Spaniard, who is deceptively mellow – even absent-minded - off the bike, but lightning fast when on form and racing, is tempted to continue by the thoughts of taking part in the London Games.
“I’d like to ride until the Olympic Games of London 2012,” he said today, while visiting the Sidi factory in Treviso. Freire’s strong finish could theoretically put him in the hunt for a medal there, and so too at next year’s world championships in Copenhagen.
Before then, he wants to make his debut in a Grand Tour he hasn’t done before. “In 2011 I will most likely participate in the Giro d’Italia. It would be my first time in the Pink Race. I like this event a lot, but I’ve never been able to participate,” he said.
“It means a lot to me to be in top form on the roads of Italy where I’ve already competed in two world championships and three Sanremo races, always supported by Sidi Sport.”
Freire had a fine 2010, returning to strong form after a modest season the year before. He topped the podium early when he won the Trofeo Calla Millor in Majorca, then confirmed that good form with two stage wins in the Vuelta a Andalucia. But it was his sprint victory in Milan-Sanremo which really confirmed he was back, the Spaniard beating Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini) to take his third such-success in the race.
Freire named the Tour de France as his next big goal and continued to build towards the French event by snagging two stage wins in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco , as well as two top-ten finishes in the Tour de Suisse. However things didn’t work out as well as he hoped in that July target, with fifth place on stages 18 and 20 being the best results of the campaign.
Undeterred, he decided to focus on trying to become the first rider in history to win four Elite world road race championship titles. He remained with the leading group until the end of the tough event, surviving when others such as Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) and Tyler Farrar (USA) were dropped, but had to be content with sixth in the final gallop. A fine victory in Paris-Tours one week later was some consolation for the missed rainbow jersey.
Still fast, and still winning some of the top races in the world, he’s hoping for a strong 2011. Preparations are being made for that, and he has a loose idea of his likely race programme.
“In December my team, Rabobank, will have our first retreat, and there we’ll decide my schedule, which would usually include a debut at the Challenge Mallorca, then the Vuelta Andalusia and preparations for the Giro with the Tirreno-Adriatico,” he said.
“Next year the World Championships will be disputed in Copenhagen, Denmark, on a very fast circuit, which is good for speed specialists. I don’t know what shape I’ll be in, but even this year in Australia I managed to stay ahead of the race with the bet of the group in the end. The World Championships means a lot to me and in 2011 it will once again be an important part of my season.”
Today’s visit to the Sidi factory saw him meet the staff and the Signori family, who own the company. He had photographs taken and was shown around. His career was praised by Dino Signori, founder and president, who is clearly impressed by the rider.
“Freire has all our respect and admiration,” he said. “There aren’t many champions like him in the peloton. Oscar has given Sidi Sport so many important victories and more; with his long, brilliant career he’s an upstanding example for all young people who are interested in the world of cycling.”
Freire wants to continue his success a little longer. He would like to do the Olympics, but that appears a little undecided at this point. “Next year may be my last season, but I’ll try to do what I can to race at the highest levels,” he promised. If things go well, London 2012 might well be calling. And while he’ll be 36 at that point, the competitors who have come up against him in tough single-day events know well not to write him off.