"I can win this race"

Eurosport: D-Day is coming on Sunday in the road race. How's your form?

Bettini: October is the last month of a long season. It would be nice if the Worlds were in August, but my condition is still there -- and so are my chances. I can win this race.

Eurosport: What's your take on the circuit?

Bettini: I've checked it out and, frankly, there are no big difficulties. But it will be a constant effort. A tough grind. It will be difficult.

Eurosport: Who do you see as your biggest threats?

Bettini: The most dangerous rider is surely [Oscar] Freire. From what I've seen, I think it may even be safe to say that he's already won... He was in really good shape at the Vuelta and today he told me he's feeling good. And when Oscar says he's feeling good, that means he's feeling really, really good.

The Spaniards in general are always serious opponents. If it's not Freire, look out for [Alejandro] Valverde and [Igor] Astarloa, the defending champ.