It seems that there’s no stopping the rejuvenated Italians from dominating
this year’s World Cup competition, with Mapei hit-man Paulo Bettini leading a
top five clean sweep at the 88th edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege. This year
they’ve notched up three out of the four World cup races, with Cippolini
taking Milan San Remo, Tafi winning and Flanders and now Bettini winning
Liege for the second time in three years.

Spurred on by the massive home support on the Cote de la Vecquee and with
just under 60km still to race, the pint size hero launched a devastating
attack that split the lead field. Notable casualties were Roubaix winner
Museeuw (who later abandoned the race) and Britain’s Max Sciandri.

However there was no disguising who was the strongest rider and as Stefano
Garzelli made a late bid with 10km to race, Bettini quickly latched onto his
team mate’s wheel. With both riders shaking hands and victory for the Mapei
team assured, the sprint became a formality as Bettini raced home for the
win.

The Italian’s victory put him up to third in the overall standings and makes
his one of the favourites to claim overall honours in October.