Freire and Rabobank set to split?

Oscar Freire (Rabobank) speaks to the press before the start.

Oscar Freire (Rabobank) speaks to the press before the start. (Image credit: Susi Goetze for www.cyclinginside.com)

Three-time world champion Oscar Freire is reported to be negotiating a one-year contract with four ProTeam squads including his current employers, Rabobank, with whom he has spent the last nine seasons. However, according to one report in Spain, it will be "a surprise" if Freire, who is planning to retire at the end of the 2012 season, opts to spend the last year of his career with Rabobank.