Asked if it isn't difficult to motivate himself after winning so many races, Paolo Bettini told sportwereld.nl: "I can't
deny that it is more difficult nowadays." The 2006 and 2007 Road World Champion continued: "Cycling is still my passion but
its getting harder and harder for me to be on the road, far away from my family."
Bettini is a familyman. In the past he wasn't. "When I was young it was very easy to be busy with my sport," Bettini said.
The defending champ in tomorrows Olympic road race continued: "I was completely focused on cycling because I wanted to win.
I see that same hunger with young riders. I am missing that. But as soon as I put a racenumber on my back it starts to
itch again."
Bettini is not training as hard as he did in the past. "I don't have to do anything because I have won everything
already. That is a luxury position. Since I became a father I spend more time with my family. My family means a lot to me,
especially after what happened to my brother."
Bettini's brother Sauro died a week after 'Il Grillo' won his first
road World title in 2006. Shortly after that a crying Bettini won the Giro Lombardia. It was a victory for Sauro. "I
have learned that life is more than cycling. You should not deny reality: there is more in life than the bike."
Bettini's
second life will soon begin. After the current season Bettini will probebly retire from professional cycling. Is he affraid
for the time after his career? "No, I will pick olives on my plantation. I have enough work. There are more than 120 trees.
I will invite all retired riders to come and help me."
After his Olympic victory in Athens, 34 year old Bettini said that it would be a good moment to leave the sport after the
2008 Olympics. After 12 seasons as a pro Bettini is financial independent and is still standing behind his decision.
"The most beautiful thing would be to retire immediately after my second Olympic title."
But that won't happen. In September he can make history if he defends his world title. Bettini would be the first rider
ever to win 3 road world championships in a row. Would he prefer a third world title or a second Olympic title? "Actually
I should say... the games! But I can't deny that the worlds are on top on my list. The world championships are in my home
country [Varese, editor] and I can do something special there."
Bettini said the Olympic race is more difficult. "At the games you only have four teammates, so you can never control a
race. That's why its so difficult to defend the Olympic title. You can't compare such a race with a world championship."
