Bettini will make 2008 debut in California

Two-time World Champion Paolo Bettini will make his 2008 season debut at the Tour of California, slated for February 17 to 24. The 33 year-old Italian of Quick.Step-Innergetic won a stage in 2007 edition of the USA race.

"The only thing that is certain is that I will debut in the Tour of California," said Bettini of his 2008 season in an interview with Ciro Scognamiglio of La Gazzetta dello Sport. Last year, he started his season in the GP Donoratico. "I am leaving the door open for GP Donoratico [February 2]."

He is uncertain if he will race the Giro d'Italia or the Tour de France. "We will see. If I am thinking of the Olympics then the Tour comes to mind, if the Worlds then [I will race] the Giro. I need to give this some good consideration."

Bettini just wrapped up a four-day track event – Bikes4Show – in Milan with racing partner Marco Villa, and he is now looking forward to a vacation in the Maldive Islands.