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Bettini wins Milan-San Remo

Published: Mar. 22, 2003
The World Cup winner picked up where he left off
The World Cup winner picked up where he left off
Photo: Graham Watson

Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) won Saturday's World Cup opener, the 297km classic, Milan San-Remo.

Stay tuned for a complete race wrap-up from Andrew Hood, more photos from Graham Watson and complete results. Meanwhile, to see how today's race unfolded just clickhere, to pull up our Live Update window.

The defending World Cup champion of the Quick.Step-Davitamon team won an exciting sprint finish ahead of Mirko Celestino and Luca Paolini.

World champion Mario Cipollini, celebrating his 36th birthday, won the bunch sprint to finish fourth in the 297 kilometer race.

Cipollini, who won the race last season, had been doubtful for the race after suffering a stomach upset on Friday.

The thrilling race was soured by the crash of Cipollini's Domina Vacanze teammate Martin Derganc who had to be rushed to hospital with head injuries.

1. Paolo Bettini (I), Quick Step-Davitamon
2. Mirko Celestino (I), Saeco
3. Luca Paolini (I), Quick Step-Davitamon
4. Mario Cipollini (I), Domina Vacanze
5. Dario Pieri (I), Saeco
6. Erik Zabel (G), Telekom
7. Freire
8. Svorada
9. Ivanov
10. Trentin
Today's race time of 6:44:43 (43.580 kph), the fifth fastest in 94 editions of Milan-San Remo.