Cancellera downplays chances

The defending World Time Trial Champion, Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, is downplaying his chances at repeating the title this year. "I have more race days in my legs than last year. I am maybe a bit more tired," he said, according to Radsportnews.net. He certainly does not expect to repeat his success as overwhelmingly as last year: "This year I cannot hope to win with over a minute advantage."

He says that he rode a "simple preparation program" this year. He spent much time training alone behind a motorcycle, after the Poland Tour. He named his CSC teammate David Zabriskie, last year's silver medalist, as his main rival for the gold.

Bert Grabsch, the German time trial champion, sees the Swiss rider as the favourite. "Fabian Cancellara will be very difficult to beat. But even he can have a bad day."