A week ago, Alessandro Petacchi appeared unbeatable. The way he took the stage victory in Paseo de la Castellana, his fifth win in the Tour of Spain, was impressive to say the least. Petacchi didn't look flash hot at the start of the World Championships in Madrid and it was quickly understood that his chances to take the title would be slim. Paolo Bettini knew this and therefore attacked in a way which brought back images of his best race days, but it wasn't meant to be for the little Italian and a group sprint was set up for Boonen.
"It was up to me at that moment," Petacchi said after the race. "But I didn't have the legs anymore on that second to last climb." The air-conditioning in the Italian team's hotel was pointed out to be the spoil-sport for the big day.
