Bettini plays down Liege chances

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

LIEGE, Belgium (AFP) — Former two-time winner Paolo Bettini has played down his chances of a third victory in the prestigious one-day classic Liege-Bastogne-Liege this Sunday.

The reigning world and Olympic champion will saddle up as the Quick Step team's biggest hope of winning the 261km race but the Italian could be forgiven if he winces with pain on several of the 12 punishing climbs.

Bettini is still recovering from arm and rib injuries sustained in a heavy crash at the Tour of the Basque country earlier this month, a setback which he says could have left him off a lot worse.

Despite racing the four-day Giro del Trentino in midweek, Bettini appeared hesitant over his victory chances here despite saying his condition has vastly improved.

"I'm...