Freire completes hat-trick

CYCLING/World Championships: Oscar Freire took a record-equalling third elite world championship win in Verona yesterday, repeating his first such triumph here in 1999.

The Spanish rider rode superbly throughout the 265 kilometre contest, matching the mountain specialists on the tough ascent of the Torricelle and then outsprinting former Tour de France green jersey winner Erik Zabel (Germany), Italy's Luca Paolini plus 12 others in the final burst to the line.

Australians Stuart O'Grady and Allan Davis took fourth and fifth while Freire's compatriot Alejandro Valverde scooped sixth.

Ireland's David O'Loughlin and David McCann rode commendably on a day when 112 of the 200 starters failed to finish. O'Loughlin came to the line as part of a large group racing for 25th place, placing 50th, while McCann was 74th.

Eighteen ascents of the Torricelle climb meant yesterday's contest was a real race of attrition. The Irish duo stayed in contention right until the hammer went down with one and a half laps to go, an elite selection of about 25 riders forming after the top of the climb.

This group was further reduced by a flurry of attacks on the final ascent of the Torricelle, including efforts by Denmark's Michael Rasmussen and Michael Boogerd of the Netherlands.

However, Freire, Valverde, Ivan Basso and the 2004 Tour of Italy winner Damiano Cunego (both Italy) were able to reel both riders in, with several of Freire's team-mates rejoining on the descent and ensuring the group arrived en masse to the line.

The Spaniard had little trouble in outgalloping the other riders inside the final 200 metres.

O'Loughlin was very satisfied with his ride. "I suppose it was my best performance yet, I am pleased with how it went . . . I have been talking to a few pro teams for next year, including a couple of Pro Tour squads, so hopefully today's performance will help me get a contract."

Meanwhile, Mark Nestor was best of the Irish in Saturday's junior road race, won by Czech rider Roman Kreuziger. Nestor finished 99th, with Martin Munroe placed 109th.

Germany's Judith Arndt completed a rare double by adding the women's road race title to the time trial gold she won last Tuesday. Irish riders Louise Moriarty and Colette Swift withdrew before the end of the tough race.