Defending champion Paolo Bettini of Italy won the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday for his 11th Pro Tour title.

The 32-year-old Italian finished in six hours eight minutes six seconds _ eight seconds ahead of runner-up Samuel Sanchez of Spain and third-place Fabian Weggman of Germany.

Bettini wept as he crossed the line and dedicated the victory to his brother, Sauro, who was killed in a road accident last week.

``Before, there was someone who pushed me on from the outside, but now he isn't there,'' the Quick Step-Innergetic rider said. ``I wasn't just looking to win, I wanted to do something special _ for Sauro and for my family. This wasn't a chance victory.''

Bettini, who led for most of the 246-kilometre race, broke from the leading pack of 12 cyclists 18 kilometres out.

Sanchez, Weggman and fifth-place Davide Rebellin launched attacks on Bettini's lead over the closing stages of the single-day classic.

Sanchez was also second overall in the Pro Tour.

Pro Tour champion Alejandro Valverde, who clinched the series by winning the Zuri-Metzgete race two weeks ago, retired from the race.

Of the race's 196 riders, 32 were drug tested before the race, with none testing positive.