With the titles in the women’s team sprint and men’s scratch, the Mexican delegation stole the limelight on the first day of the Pan American Track Cycling Championship, which is being held at the velodrome of the VELO Sports Center, in the city of Los Angeles, United States, until next Sunday.
The first crown for the Mexicans came through the trio Jessica Salazar-Yuli Verdugo-Luz Daniela Gaxiola, who dominated in the final (47.529 seconds to 47.527) the Canadian team Sarah Orban- Kelsey Mitchell-Lauriane Genest. “It was a very close competition because the Canadians are world class,” Salazar told the local press. For bronze, the U.S. team beat Colombia (48.869 to 49.029).
In perhaps the most unexpected result on Wednesday, Mexico’s Fernando Gabriel Nava surprised everyone with his gold in the scratch, ahead of Chile’s Cristian Arriagada and many people’s favorite, Akil Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago.
Colombia also made the golden delights at the start by winning the team sprint. Ruben Dario Murillo-Kevin Quintero-Santiago Ramirez beat the Canadian trio of Tyler Rorke, Nick Wammes and James Hedgcock in the final. For third place, the United States beat Argentina with relative ease.
Finally, the Olympic omnium title holder, American Jennifer Valente, brought out her experience and quality to take first place in the scratch, ahead of Canada’s Lily Plante and Barbadian Amber Joseph. Thus, the medal table at the end of the first day was as follows: Mexico (2-0-0-0), United States (1-0-2) Colombia (1-0-0), Canada (0-3-0), Chile (0-1-0), Trinidad and Tobago (0-0-1) and Barbados (0-0-1).
138 cyclists from 18 countries are participating in the Pan American Track Championships. This Thursday, medals will be awarded in the men’s and women’s team pursuit, as well as in the men’s kerin and the women’s elimination race.