Scotland’s John Paul has won the World Junior Sprint title in Russia.
Paul qualified fifth in the event with a time of 10.175, just ahead of teammate Matt Rotherham (10.228) in sixth. Fastest was Max Niederlag from Germany with a new world record of 9.899. In the 16th finals, Paul dispensed with Anthony Jacques of France while Matt Rotherham lost to Adrian Opasewicz of Poland. This left all the hopes of a medal on the young shoulders of Paul, a second year Junior.
Right: John Paul, riding a Dolan bike, wins the World Junior Sprint title. Photo: VeloStar.ru
John Paul made no mistake against Spains Jose Cabezas in the 1/8th final but it was a tougher battle in the quarter finals where he won two rides to one against Matt Baranoski of America. If that tie was tough, Paul came up against the World record holder Niederlag in the semis.
It took John three rides in that semi final to beat the German but win he did with Niederlag being relegated for not holding his line in the decider. John therefore went onto the final against Palma of France, which he won two rides to nil, taking the rainbow jersey in the process, and his first world title.
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