Oscar Freire’s 9-year association with team Rabobank came to an end as he signed with team Katusha for 2012
Russian team, Katusha, put faith in Oscar Freire as the team signed the Spanish rider for the next season. The cyclist was approached by different teams, including Lotto-Ridley, Quickstep and Geox-TMC.
Freire will be the seventh Spaniard to join Team Katusha for the coming season. Other Spanish riders in Team Katusha are: Joan Horrach, Alberto Losada, Angel Vicioso, Xavier Florencio, Rodriguez and Dani Moreno.
Oscar was inclined towards Team Katusha, mainly because of the organised team structure and the opportunity to ride along his compatriots.
The cyclist will have complete opportunity to display his sprinting skills as there is only one more sprinter in his future team, Denis Galimzyanov.
Team Katusha is certain to participate in the World Tour races and Oscar Freire will be riding hand in hand with his compatriot, Joaquim Rodriguez.
The 35-year-old started his professional career in 1998 with Team Vitalicio Seguros. He then moved to the Italian team, Mapei, in 2000 and stayed with the team till 2002.
Freire has spent most of his professional career with Team Rabobank, a period of 9 years. He joined the team in 2002 and this will be his last season with the Dutch team.
Team Rabobank, led by Erik Breukink, lost the rider over a slight misunderstanding. The team believed that he will retire by the end of 2011 following his health issues.
Oscar had a nasal and sinus surgery in recent years. Oscar’s brother and his manager, Antonio, tried to sign Team Rabobank but the team showed no interest in the three times World Champion.
New Katusha manager, Hans-Michael Holczer hinted on signing an important player recently but refused to disclose his name. He mentioned, “I cannot say his name. We hope to have a decision soon though.” Signing of the rider was announced officially today.
The Russian squad seems to be in good hands under the management of Holczer. The team signed Angel Vicioso, Xavier Florencio, Alexander Kristoff and Gatis Smukulis for the coming season.
Five riders left the Russian squad, Danilo Di Luca, Stijn Vandenbergh, Filippo Pozzato, Egor Silin and Vladimir Karpets.
Riders who will continue one more season with Team Katusha are: Denis Galimzyanov, Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver, Joan Horrach Rippoll and Pavel Brutt.
Team Rabobank certainly lost an important player from their squad whereas, Katusha ceased the opportunity. The addition of Oscar Freire will certainly strengthen the Russian squad for the coming season.
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