Freire romps to third Milan-San Remo victory of his career

OSCAR Freire timed his finish to perfection to capture his third career victory in the gruelling Milan-San Remo race.

THREE AND EASY: Oscar Freire times his finish to perfection to notch his third Milan-San Remo title

The 34-year-old Spaniard romped into the lead in the closing 100m and his rivals had no response, handing Freire the title he won in 2004 and 2007.

Belgian sprint specialist Tom Boonen followed Freire to the front in the final straight but the Spaniard proved too strong, to cross the line in 6:57.28 hours and seal a superb victory.

Filippo Pozzato had made a solo break for the finishing line in the 101st edition of the race but was reeled in by the chasing pack with just 1.3km to go.

Liquigas had taken up the reins at the front of the peleton and with less than a kilometre remaining, set about setting up the victory for Daniele Bennati of Italy.

But Freire stole a march on the leaders in the final metres and could not be caught, ensuring the Rabobank rider topped the podium in the Spring Classic for the third time.

Meanwhile, defending champion Mark Cavendish, who admitted earlier this week that a late start to the season, due to dental problems, had effectively ruled him out of attention, was well off the pace.