Niederlag stands in way of Paul’s Moscow medal quest

City of Edinburgh cyclist John Paul was due in the saddle today to continue his quest for a medal at the World Junior Track Championships in Moscow.

The 18-year-old was fifth fastest in qualifying with a new British Junior record of 10.175 seconds. But the outstanding performance of the day came from the German Max Niederlag – a rival whom Paul had beaten at last month’s European Championships – who clocked 9.899 seconds, a new world record.

The Scot then ousted Anthony Jacques of France and got the better of Spaniard Jose Miguel Caldentey to book his spot in the quarter finals and a best of three clash with Matthew Baranoski of the United States.

Paul saw off the American to progress to the last four and a clash with Niederlag.