Zabel on top of the world

Erik Zabel leads from Dutchman Erik Dekker

Germany's Erik Zabel tops the latest world rankings published by the International Cycling Union.

The German sprint legend leads from Holland's Erik Dekker, with Italian Davide Rebellin in third place.

US favourite Lance Armstrong lies in fifth place, one ahead of Zabel's compatriot Jan Ullrich.

Former world number one Laurent Jalabert of France is currently in 11th place.

Britain's David Millar sits in 17th place, ahead of Paris-Nice race winner Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakstan.

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UCI World cycling rankings:

1. Erik Zabel (Ger) 2296 pts
2. Erik Dekker (Ned) 2041
3. Davide Rebellin (Ita) 1779
4. Gilberto Simoni (Ita) 1759
5. Lance Armstrong (USA) 1713
6. Jan Ullrich (Ger) 1705
7. Paolo Bettini (Ita) 1659
8. Oscar Sevilla (Spa) 1493
9. Francesco Casagrande (Ita) 1413
10. Michael Boogerd (Ned) 1352
11. Laurent Jalabert (Fra) 1314
12. Jaan Kirsipuu (Est) 1244
13. Romans Vainsteins (Lat) 1242
14. Jens Voigt (Ger) 1185
15. Joseba Beloki (Spa) 1160
16. Nico Mattan (Bel) 1063
17. David Millar (Gbr) 1032
18. Levy Leipheimer (USA) 1023
19. Danilo Di Luca (Ita) 1018
20. Didier Rous (Fra) 983
21. Giuliano Figueras (Ita) 971
22. Alexandre Vinokurov (Kaz) 945
23. Igor Gonzalez Galdeano (Spa) 924
24. Oscar Camenzind (Swi) 920
25. Serhiy Honchar (Ukr) 919