Luca Paolini also impressed in the same race, leading home Bettini before finishing third himself.

BBC: Quick Step-Davitamon

And on Sunday, Italy's Paolo Bettini has the chance to win the elite men's road race for a third consecutive year.

BBC: SPORT | Other sport... | Cycling | Swift misses under-23 road medal

Favourite for the men's road race title is Italy's Paolo Bettini, who has the chance to make history by winning the event for a third consecutive year.

BBC: Cooke leads GB Worlds challenge