What a loaded field for the world road race championship on Sunday morning in Stuttgart. Italy and Spain have loaded their teams for the one-day, winner-take-all race that covers 165 miles. The 198 riders will race 14 laps on a course that includes two short, steep climbs. It favors a rider with a little punch _ not a pure sprinter, not a pure climber. Here are a few riders to watch:

Paolo Bettini, Italy: The defending champion is among the favorites, even though he has been distracted by threats of the organizers to throw him out of the race for refusing to sign the UCI pledge that includes submitting a DNA sample. He eventually signed and says he’s ready to race.

Alejandro Valverde, Spain: He, too, has been tussling with the UCI, which didn’t want him to ride because of allegations that he is involved in the drug scandal known as Operation Puerto. The Spanish authorities cleared him, and he was ruled eligible to ride Thursday but has spent a ton of mental energy in the process. If he can clear his head, he can win. The course suits his climbing/sprinting duality.

George Hincapie, USA: Big George said the Tour of Missouri was ideal as a prelude to the worlds. While others were draining their energy at the three-week Vuelta a Espana, Hincapie said he was fresh after his victory. He has good climbing legs for short bursts and enough of a sprint to outlast most riders in a breakaway,

Stefan Schumacher, Germany: Schumacher grew up about 20 miles from the course, so he knows the roads and will have the crowd behind him.

Jens Voigt, Germany: He’s a man for all seasons, and a victory would be a suitable reward for one of the most popular men in the peloton. He’ll be dangerous if he gets in a breakaway.

Thomas Dekker, Netherlands: He was a workhouse for the deposed Michael Rasmussen in the Tour de France and is considered the next great hope of Holland.

Oscar Freire, Spain: If the group finishes together _ a big if _ look for Freire. He was en fuego at the Vuelta, winning three stages.

A few others: Thomas Voeckler, France; David Millar, Great Britain; Robbie Hunter, South Africa.

Check out live coverage Sunday morning on http://www.cyclingfans.com/