Yesterday, 2008 world road race champion Alessandro Ballan said, “…we could end up with a surprise winner.” Ballan should consider becoming a clairvoyant when his racing days are done. Today, Rui Costa (Portugal) surprised everyone, including himself, by winning the world road race championship.

Portugal's Rui Costa is the new World Champion.

With embattled UCI president Pat McQuaid in an intense contest for his job against British challenger Brian Cookson, the cycling body's election rules are suddenly set to be changed.