Óscar Freire is a Spanish cyclist best known for winning the World Championship road race three times, in 1999, 2001, and 2004, which equals the record for most wins in that race previously held by Alfredo Binda, Rik Van Steenbergen, and Eddy Merckx. Though a smaller man, Freire wins his races because of his great sprinting ability. His inability to climb at the top level has hurt him in the grand tours, but he did win the points classification at the 2008 Tour de France, and has won four Tour stages through 2010. He has also won seven stages at the Vuelta à España. His other major titles include Milano-Sanremo in 2004 and 2007, Tirreno-Adriatico in 2005, Gent-Wevelgem in 2008, and Paris-Tours in 2010. His career has been hampered with numerous injuries, especially back and neck problems, and saddle sores.
Spain