VARESE, Italy — Defending two-time world champion Paolo Bettini has announced that he will retire after tomorrow's world championship road race.

The 2004 Olympic champion made the announcement at a news conference Saturday.

The 34-year-old Italian rode for the Quick-Step team and its predecessor for the last decade but failed to agree a contract extension.

If he wins on Sunday he would become the only rider to take three straight world titles.