As if to demonstrate their strength and talent in this category, the Mexican and Chilean teams dominated the headlines on the second day of the 2026 Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships, each winning two gold medals and closing the gap on Colombia in the medal standings. Colombia only managed one silver and three bronze medals on Wednesday, May 6.
The Xalapa velodrome erupted with cheers as locals Ximena Alejandra Valeín and Cristian Garfias won gold in the scratch race, one of the most exciting events. Peru took silver in the women’s race with Varelia Sandiga, as did Brazil in the men’s with Ryan Maruri. The bronze medals went to Colombians Salomé Vargas and Thomas Mejías.
But without a doubt, the biggest news of the day came from Chilean Luciano Carrizo, who came very close to breaking the individual pursuit world record held by Briton Henry Hobbs (3:03.246), clocking a blistering time of 3:04.432 in the qualifying round. Later that afternoon, he easily took first place, leaving Mexican Jesús Jared Zamundio with the silver and Colombian José Luis García with the bronze.
“I wasn’t aiming for the record, but these things happen. Although I had prepared very well for this competition,” declared the new champion, who did indeed set a new benchmark for the Americas.
Among the women, the individual pursuit title also went to Chile, thanks to the impressive, well-rounded pedaling of Alexandra Osorio, followed by Colombian Sheylin Gómez and Mexican Manola Sandoval de Castro.
The competition continues this Thursday with four sets of medals up for grabs. And now the tension increases, as Colombia and Chile both appear with three gold medals, but fewer silver and bronze medals, which is why the Colombians are still ahead.
All results: https://panamericanojr2026.veloresults.com/