Freire to miss Milano-Sanremo

After his crash and subsequent abandonment at the Tour of California, Oscar Freire will now miss Milano-Sanremo. Two broken ribs suffered in the fall during stage four have ruled the Spaniard out of la Primavera, which is a perennial target for Rabobank's experienced sprinter.

Reuters has also reported that he may miss Tirreno-Adriatico as a result of his injuries, a massive blow for Freire given that the Italian stage race is vital preparation leading into the first Grand Tour of 2009, the Giro d'Italia. "The chances that he rides Tirreno-Adriatico are almost zero," said Rabobank directeur Erik Breukink. "And he also has to miss Milano-Sanremo, his first goal of the season."