Hammer of US wins fifth major track cycling title

MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Sarah Hammer of the United States won her fifth career gold medal at the track cycling world championships Wednesday.

Francois Pervis of France earned his first title.

Hammer had won consecutive titles in the women's individual pursuit twice, in 2006-07 and in 2010-11. She edged Amy Cure of Australia in a 3,000-meter race at Minsk Arena. Australian Annette Edmondson, the London Olympics silver medalist, won the bronze.

Pervis finished in 1 minute, 00.221 seconds to become the only rider to complete the four laps in under 1:01 in the men's 1-kilometer time trial. Simon Van Velthooven of New Zealand was second. Joachim Eilers of Germany was third.

Germany retained its title by beating China in the women's team sprint, while Australia won the men's team pursuit over Britain.