The Citadel awaits

Bettini, who finished third behind Olaf Pollack and winner Robbie McEwen in Sunday's second stage, has been eying a stage three victory since he started looking at the course for this year's Giro D'Italia.

The paved finish at Namur has an average gradient of 5%, and Bettini is hungry for victory after a strong showing in stage two in mass-sprint that included the entirety of the peloton.

"There are certainly going to be less people at the front on the climb to Namur," said Bettini, who likes his odds.

"Yesterday I did the sprint for the bonus points and to test my condition after 200 km of racing, and I"m happy about the result.

"Eight bonus points will not be enough to take the pink jersey, so for now I only think about winning the stage."

Race leader Paolo Savoldelli finished 16th in stage two after grabbing the pink jersey in the opening time-trial.

The defending Giro winner picked Bettini for stage three, but left the win open to another of his Italian compatriots.

"This kind of finish is perfect for Bettini but I think also [Danilo] Di Luca and [Damiano] Cunego can do well and take time," Savoldelli said. "I hope to be with the leaders."

Di Luca, one of Savoldelli's principal challengers for the overall-win, also had modest hopes going into stage three.

"I feel good but my target is still to take the jersey in Milano, not to wear it for a few days now," the Liquigas leader said.

"Only if I have a good chance will I try to win, because when you have the pink jersey then you have to control the race. But for now I hope to stay with the leaders."

After finishing a disappointing fourth in stage two, Milram sprinter Alessandro Petacchi could be seeking to rebound at the famous Citadel.

"I think Petacchi could take his revenge in Namur," said Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert. "He is capable of being among the bests at the top of the Citadel."