After “E3 Harelbeke” second position, Oscar Freire went again close to the podium of another Flanders classic one-day race, “Gent-Wevelgem”. Katusha Team’s Spanish rider reached the fourth place in the sprint of the ahead group, made by more or less 20 riders: Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) doubled the win in Harelbeke, defeating Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) and Matti Breschel (Rabobank), respectevely second and third. Katusha Team made the usual huge work in the final part of the race: Luca Paolini and Vladimir Isaychev, who was in a breakaway too, imposed their pace to the group, making a good selection. In the end, Freire tried the blitz starting his rush from far: but the group was able to pass him, and in the end he didn’t reach the podium for a few centimetres.
“In Harelbeke I started my sprint too late – said Freire – this time, unfortunately, I began my rush too early. In fact I tried to anticipate my rivals because I knew Boonen is in a great shape: but they were able to catch me, then the Belgian rider proved to be the best in this kind of courses It’s a pity because the team was great today, again we did a great race, so I wanted to take a good result for them too: anyways, we’re strong and if we continue this way I’m sure we can win some prestigious competitions”.
KATUSHA MEDIA SERVICE