Young Pedals to a Gold Medal in Japan

Connie Young won the women’s sprint final today to give the United States its first gold medal in the World Cycling Championship.

Earlier, the Soviet Union captured its fourth gold medal by winning the amateur team pursuit, outpacing West Germany by more than five seconds.

Young lost the first race to compatriot Renee Duprel but bounced back to win the next two races and claim her fourth world championship. She won the world title in 1982, 1983 and 1984.

Young clocked 11.960 seconds in the deciding race at the Green Dome. Rita Razmaite of the Soviet Union won the bronze.

In the amateur team pursuit, the Soviet team led all the way, winning in 4:09.286. West Germany, clocking 4:15.912, won the silver medal and Australia took the bronze.

East Germany’s Michael Hubner received his second gold medal, winning the professional Japanese-style track racing known as keirin in 11.085 seconds amid some controversy. Australia’s Stephen Pate, who appeared to have crossed the finish line ahead of Hubner, was disqualified by judges for a rule violation.

Michael Vaarten of Belgium received the silver medal and Italian Claudio Golinell took the bronze.