Freire's season over

World Champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) will most likely not compete in any further races this season. That he will be missing his favourite competition, the World's, has already been announced, but it now looks like the chances of seeing him back in a race this season are almost down to zero.

Freire still has saddle sore problems despite his operation in June. "Oscar rides his bike, but can't train yet," Rabobank team manager Erik Breukink said. "That says it all. Maybe he can ride some event in October, but I won't put him in a roster if his condition isn't perfect. It depends on how it evolves these next weeks."