September 27/08 4:57 am - Bettini Announces Retirement

Posted by Editoress on 09/27/08
 

Two-time world cycling champion Paolo Bettini said he will retire after he defends his road race title Sunday.

Bettini, also the 2004 Olympic road race champion, made the surprise announcement Saturday. He rode for the Quick-Step team and its predecessor for the last decade but failed to agree a contract extension.

"Tomorrow, I will try to be No. 1," he said, adding it "will be my last race. I have thought about this a lot."

If the 34-year-old Italian wins on Sunday, he would become the only rider to capture three straight world titles.
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