Germany's Botticher wins men's sprint title

Germany's Stefan Botticher won men's sprint gold on the closing day at the world track cycling championships here on Sunday, the 21-year-old beating Russia's Denis Dmitriev for the coveted title. The bronze medal went to France's Francois Pervis, who got the better of New Zealander Sam Webster for third. Only sixth in qualifying, Botticher had to come through the repechages after his defeat to British Olympic champion Jason Kenny, who went out to Webster in the quarter-finals. Botticher, who was adding this to Thursday's team sprint gold, then beat Kiwis Simon Van Velthooven and Webster to book his ticket to the final. This was Germany's first individual world sprint gold since 2005. The reigning world sprint champion, France's Gregory Bauge, elected not to defend his title in Minsk. From: AFP