STUTTGART, Germany: Paolo Bettini crossed the finish line as world champion, raised his clenched fists in triumph and then directed a symbolic shot at the host city that didn't want him to race.

Bettini became the first rider to repeat as champion in the road race at the cycling world championships since his Italian countryman Gianni Bugno in 1991 and 1992. Bugno also won his first title in Stuttgart.

This time, the city went to court in an attempt to prevent Bettini from racing because he refuses to sign an anti-doping pledge — not because of the doping clause but because he objects to what he believes is an excessive financial penalty.

On the loop course up and down the verdant roads of Stuttgart, Bettini transformed his anger into motivation and came from behind to win Sunday's race in a sprint finish ahead of Alexandr Kolobnev of Russia and Stefan Schumacher of Germany.

“It was an instinctive gesture, not targeted at anyone,” Bettini said of his gesture after the race, still clutching the same “good-luck” Italian flag he had with last year in Salzburg, Austria, when he won the race for the first time.

“If anyone felt it was directed at them, they may have reason to think so.”

Speaking at the post-race new conference, Bettini said it the shooting gesture was not directed at cycling or the head of world's governing body (UCI), Pat McQuaid. In the days before the championships, McQuaid said he was very annoyed and angry that Bettini had not signed the anti-doping document. But he had also guaranteed Bettini a start in Sunday's race, despite the wishes of local organizers.

“Veni, vidi, vici,” McQuaid said of Bettini's triumph.

“A rider who can win under the pressure he's been under deserves nothing but the highest praise. He's a classic, magnificent rider,” McQuaid said and shook hands with Bettini.

Italy dominated the day with smart tactics and swept both road races, after Marta Bastianelli had surprisingly won the women's event Saturday.

“The most beautiful thing is we showed what a great team we are,” Bettini said. Apart from Bettini's problems, Italy was also hit hard by the withdrawal of Giro d'Italia winner Danilo Di Luca because of doping accusations.

“Somehow we are able to transform pressure into a real desire to win. In difficult situation we get the best out of ourselves,” Bettini said, recalling how the Italian team had won the soccer World Cup title in Germany last year amid a corruption scandal back home.

Bettini may get another shot at Stuttgart and this one may hurt where the industrious and thrifty people of the region are at their most sensitive — their pocketbooks. The 33-year-old rider intends to sue the city and the local organizers for tarnishing his reputation, and a German television station for implicating him in a drug scandal.

“I will not let anyone damage my career and the sacrifices I have made. If they have proof, they should show it, if not they will pay,” Bettini said.

If anything, the bizarre week made Bettini more determined to his discredit his distractors.

“I feel as angry as I was before the race. Everything that happened made me more motivated,” Bettini said.

On the last climb of the day, Bettini put on the pressure and only four could stay with him.

Bettini goaded the others into going for the finish line, knowing he would be the best sprinter. Kolobnev opened the sprint from a long way out, Bettini bided his time and struck at the right moment, shouting out in joy and anger.

Spanish favorites faded and never challenged, including Alejandro Valverde and Oscar Freire, who was aiming for a record fourth title.