Freire Apreciation Thread

[Contre la montre]

I have always been wanting to start a thread and can't think of anyone more deserving then the 'cat'. Dutch media have reported that Freire definately won't be riding for Rabobank and that he'll probably retire alltogether. Freire along with Jalabert is my favourite rider ever, he always looked dangerous on the bike and when he did win it was hard to tell how exactly he won, and at the times he didn't win it was always difficult to explain how he could have possibly lost that particular race.

 

[Jamsque]

One of my all-time favourites. Classy, savvy rider.

 

[Contre la montre]

He is a perennial favourite.

 

[theyoungest]

Spanish media report today that Freire extends his contract with Rabo for one more year. Rabo denies that, but I don't know how that translates to "Freire will definitely quit cycling".

Except of course in the copy-paste media climate which currently prevails.

 

[Contre la montre]

I have always been wanting to start a thread and can't think of anyone more deserving then the 'cat'. Dutch media have reported that Freire definately won't be riding for Rabobank and that he'll probably retire alltogether. Freire along with Jalabert is my favourite rider ever, he always looked dangerous on the bike and when he did win it was hard to tell how exactly he won, and at the times he didn't win it was always difficult to explain how he could have possibly lost that particular race.

I never said definately retiring I hope he goes on for another year, then we can have another Freire thread next season. As it stands I very much doubt 'Freire will ride next season.

 

[Contre la montre]

Spanish media report today that Freire extends his contract with Rabo for one more year. Rabo denies that, but I don't know how that translates to "Freire will definitely quit cycling".

Except of course in the copy-paste media climate which currently prevails.

They changed the articles in the press. Now the story is that the door for Freire is always open but that the original offer has been withdrawn but that a new deal could be negotiated.

 

[LukeSchmid]

They changed the articles in the press. Now the story is that the door for Freire is always open but that the original offer has been withdrawn but that a new deal could be negotiated.

So they are telling Freire that his indecision has cost him money, they might sign him but it will be for less money

 

[Dutchsmurf]

So they are telling Freire that his indecision has cost him money, they might sign him but it will be for less money

No, they are saying that as far as they are told, Freire is retiring. If he decides to tell Rabobank something else, they will surely consider it. Rabobank is sticking to the last official (so non interview) story and acted accordingly by withdrawing their offer.

 

[woodie]

One of my favourite riders, love the stories of him leaving his shoes at the hotel and riding the neutral in his normal shoes, and when he got lost the day before he won one of his world titles, and when he just didn't turn up to a training camp and it took management three days to realise.

That and his class on the bike, brilliant rider

 

[Swabian Lass]

Top rider for me. Purely selfishly I'd love to see him continue next year, but I don't think it's likely. Can't blame him - it's a well-earned retirement.

 

[Angliru]

One of my all-time favourites. Classy, savvy rider.

+10000. My sentiments exactly. A greatly unappreciated rider.

 

[Parrulo]

also one of my favourite riders of all time.

and no doubt one of the most talented man ever to ride a bike.

the story of him getting lost in lisbon the night before the race is hilarious.

he got lost and was riding around lisbon trying to find the hotel then a group of portuguese cycling fans recognized him and went to talk to him, when he told them he was lost they asked what was his hotel and said they would take him there, but he didn't know the name of the hotel so they had to drive around lisbon till he recognized the hotel. epic story, i know all this because one of the guys that helped him find the hotel told this story on portuguese eurosport

 

[hrotha]

No, they are saying that as far as they are told, Freire is retiring. If he decides to tell Rabobank something else, they will surely consider it. Rabobank is sticking to the last official (so non interview) story and acted accordingly by withdrawing their offer.

Meanwhile, the Freire camp says he didn't say anything about retiring and that Rabobank misunderstood. I'm afraid Luke's theory might have some merit.

 

[Moncoutie]

He's been a great rider, always thought a bit underestimated considering what he achieved.

 

[rhubroma]

Definitely a great bike rider and a class act besides.

I can't honestly say, though, that I could really appreciate his tactic, wait...wait...wait...wait...Surprise! Intelligent and savy, yes, but not very enthusiastic.

I prefer the attackers and would rather see a guy alla Bettini exaggerate, but loose, and be entertaining, than a win alla Friere.

But I recognize his fine class.

 

[joe_papp]

+10000. My sentiments exactly. A greatly unappreciated rider.

Agreed.

I got into it a couple of years ago w/ G. Watson after he slagged-off Freire and talked sh^t on his 3 worlds' victories, as if that fat tub o' camera-toting lard could pedal half-a-mile in the Spaniard's shoes...

 

[Angliru]

Agreed.

I got into it a couple of years ago w/ G. Watson after he slagged-off Freire and talked sh^t on his 3 worlds' victories, as if that fat tub o' camera-toting lard could pedal half-a-mile in the Spaniard's shoes...

Watson lost all credibility with me when he hitched his wagon to the Armstrong brigade and then began with his editorials about how he'd have to go back and edit his photo portofolio of all the riders he photographed that ended up running afoul of the law (doping). Of course Armstrong is not on this list of riders whose photo's he would be eliminating from his portfolio.
Nor do I ever expect him too.

 

[Fus087]

No matter if Freire continues for another year or not, he will be remembered as one of cycling's greats.
One of my first real cycling memories is from the 2007 Brabantse Pijl: I had just gotten really interested in cycling, and went to that race when on holiday in Belgium. Freire won the uphill sprint in convincing fashion, and after the race was kind enough to give his autograph to me after I've chased him like mad for 5 km to the Rabobank bus...

 

[Francois the Postman]

He might be getting a bit over the hill, but so is the finish line in Sanremo, and I wouldn't mind seeing him set out towards it one more time.

It is a shame he has been riding in the earpiece era. I think that has removed an ace or two from the trump-deck that he could bring to any race: reading what's going and doing something clever with it, all by himself.

At the same time, I hope he doesn't end his long and illustrious - and remarkably unnoticed - career with a couple of invisible also-ran seasons either.

Maybe the nostalgic romantic in me would love to see Freire on the start list in Milan next Spring, hope he gets a race that graces him.. and call it quits right after.

Unless he wins it (yet again) of course. Given that I felt vaguely similar a couple of years back, I don't really expect it, but wouldn't put it past him either.

Whatever he decides, it is because of riders like him I will never fall out of love with this sport. He's been with me a long part of my sofa spectator journey, and, from where I am sitting, you can hardly wish for better company.

No Vino, no Freire. The sort of pages I regretfully turn.

 

[Matthijs]

Definitely a great bike rider and a class act besides.

I can't honestly say, though, that I could really appreciate his tactic, wait...wait...wait...wait...Surprise! Intelligent and savy, yes, but not very enthusiastic.

I prefer the attackers and would rather see a guy alla Bettini exaggerate, but loose, and be entertaining, than a win alla Friere.

But I recognize his fine class.

Actually, Freire also won Brabantse Pijl in breaks, tried it at Gent-Wevelgem some times, won his first Worlds by attacking at 800m in a break of 9-10 racers... Freire is the last sprinter, since this summer together with Hushovd, over who you can say he just waits!

 

[Angliru]

He might be getting a bit over the hill, but so is the finish line in Sanremo, and I wouldn't mind seeing him set out towards it one more time.

It is a shame he has been riding in the earpiece era. I think that has removed an ace or two from the trump-deck that he could bring to any race: reading what's going and doing something clever with it, all by himself.

At the same time, I hope he doesn't end his long and illustrious - and remarkably unnoticed - career with a couple of invisible also-ran seasons either.

Maybe the nostalgic romantic in me would love to see Freire on the start list in Milan next Spring, hope he gets a race that graces him.. and call it quits right after.

Unless he wins it (yet again) of course. Given that I felt vaguely similar a couple of years back, I don't really expect it, but wouldn't put it past him either.

Whatever he decides, it is because of riders like him I will never fall out of love with this sport. He's been with me a long part of my sofa spectator journey, and, from where I am sitting, you can hardly wish for better company.

No Vino, no Freire. The sort of pages I regretfully turn.

Beautiful post, Francois. Got me a bit misty eyed! Once again, welcome back!

 

[Contre la montre]

Even though Freire might not retire it doesn't hurt to appreciate him. Personally I was very happy with his green jersey and how he got it.

 

[Nick C.]

I still love the way he won from a small break in Romandy or TD Suisse a few years back by bunny hopping the curb or island while everyone was focused in the other direction. Manic genius.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

I didn't know about the el gato nickname. But anyway, I've appreciated him on and off the bike. Seems like a very likeable person. I'll miss him.

 

[Parrulo]

I still love the way he won from a small break in Romandy or TD Suisse a few years back by bunny hopping the curb or island while everyone was focused in the other direction. Manic genius.

any video of that?