The 2009 Road World Championships are upon us. Last year Nicole Cooke and Alessandro Ballan were the big winners in their respective road races, but -- perhaps demonstrating the curse of the rainbow jersey -- both have had terrible seasons this year and neither looks likely to be the favourite in this year's Worlds. Another defending champion who won't be the favourite for his discipline is Bert Grabsch, winner of the time-trial last year in the absence of Fabian Cancellara who was resting following his Beijing gold and bronze medals.

With 4,655m elevation over the 262.2km men's road race route, and comparible figures in the other events, this isn't going to be a race for the pure sprinters. But punchy, attacking riders will be anticipating making their move on a course that should be well matched to their abilities. Mendrisio, Switzerland is almost guaranteed to host an exciting, tactical race for diehard cycling fans.

Watch it on Cycling TV (Worldwide excluding the US)

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