The only Dutch Protourteam missed out on many exciting finishes when Oscar Freire developed a problem with his bottom and couldn’t sit on his bike properly. From that moment on, he was out for the count in 2005. A real pity, because Freire is the kind of rider who usually “finishes it off” for the Dutchies. Being a former World Champion, much is expected from the Spaniard this coming season, after a slightly disappointing season.


There have been a few brilliant wins as well. Many will remember the stage in the 2005 Tour the France when it took the organisers several minutes to determine t...