The Colombian team maintained its lead in the medal count at the Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships, adding three more gold medals on the third day of competition, held at the Xalapa velodrome in Mexico. The event boasts remarkable organization and fierce competition among the young cycling talents of the Americas.
The first of these titles was won by Juan Esteban Sánchez in the elimination race, improving upon his bronze medal in the team pursuit. Chilean Claudio Gutiérrez took silver, while Mexican Brandon Antonio Abundez claimed bronze.
Manuela Loaiza secured her second gold medal of the competition, winning the sprint after being part of the team sprint that won the championship on the opening day. Her teammate Danna Valentina Martínez and Mexican Nicole Jiménez finished behind her.
Juan José Calderón secured Colombia’s sixth victory at the Junior Pan American Games in the sprint. This win also made him the fastest rider in the competition, having already won gold in the team sprint. Mexican Máximo Kaled Estrada and Colombian Martín Mesa completed the podium with silver and bronze, respectively.
Another rider who has been delivering a strong performance, Mexican Cristian Garfias, secured his second title by winning the points race, ahead of Colombian José Luis García and Chilean Luis Sáez. Garfias had previously won the scratch race.
Finally, Chilean Alexandra Osorio emerged as the most complete cyclist of the Games, dominating the omnium. This was her second victory, having previously won the individual pursuit and bronze in the team pursuit. Peruvian Valeria Sandiga and Colombian Emilith Rodríguez finished second and third in the omnium.
This Friday will be the penultimate day of the championship, with the title races taking place in the kilometer time trial, the men’s omnium, and the women’s elimination race.