Afrank said:
Freire shouldn't be retiring at all, he should stick it out until he wins one more world championships so he can set the record of most wins at worlds.
I think he would have a good chance in Qatar.
I think he is still capable of pulling the big wins in MSR, Paris-Tours and the WCRR. His effort in this year's Amstel Gold was one of the highlights of my season inspite of it ultimately not leading to him getting the win. I was on the edge of my seat hoping he had the legs make it to the line. The fact he finished 7th on a WC course as difficult as this years is proof enough for me.
Of course as has been stated in this thread and in the thread asking who would be missed the most between the recently retired Freire, Vino and Moncoutie (where Freire is sadly being shown little love or respect

), he's been retiring for the past 3 years. 2010 was to be his last year and many figured he should have retired in 2009. Well he won MSR and Paris-Tours inspiring him to postpone his retirement another year likely in hope of getting that elusive 4th WCRR win. One of my all-time favorite riders. I wish him much happiness.