In today's opening session of the 2001 World Junior Track Championships, USA's Tyler Farrar qualified for the quarterfinal round of the men's 3km individual pursuit. Farrar -- in only his fourth pursuit ride of his career -- clocked a 3:29.701 on the Lehigh Valley Velodrome in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. Competition runs from July 25 to 29.

The morning's fastest time, in hot, muggy conditions, went to defending world junior champion Volodymyr Dyudiya (Ukraine) in 3:27.090. Germany's Christopher Meschenmoser was second (3:27.350) and Dyudiya's countryman, Vitaliy Kondrut next (3:29.106).

Farrar is the first U.S. rider in eight years to make the event's quarterfinals. Mariano Friedick earned that right in 1993.

The top eight riders will compete at tonight's session. Other competiton will include the men's Olympic sprint (qualifying and finals), and the women's 500 meters final.