Canada’s supremacy in every event was reflected in the 23 medals (13 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze) it won at the Lima 2022 Pan American Elite Track Championships, hosted by the Peruvian Federation of cycling, at the Velodrome of Videna Legacy headquarters.

The Canadian team took first place in the competition, which was attended by 200 athletes, men and women, from 19 countries.

They have not let up for five days of competition, from the impressive Legacy Velodrome, unique in the country and recognized on the continent since it is approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Canada’s first gold medal was won by the women’s sprint team, comprised of Olympic champion Kelsey Mitchell, Sarah Orbam and Lauriane Genest, clocking 47.968 seconds, less than Mexico’s triad (48.044) and Colombia (48,451).

Then, the Canadian team confirmed its high level, leaving behind Trinidad and Tobago (second place with 7 medals), Colombia (third place with 15 medals), the United States (fourth place with 5 medals), Barbados (fifth place with 3 medals), Brazil (sixth place with 2 medals), Mexico (seventh place with 9 medals), Suriname (eighth place with 1 medal) and Venezuela (ninth place with 1 medal).

Canadian Kelsey Mitchell, Colombian Martha Bayona in the 500 meter time trial, Trinidadian Paul Nicholas in the sprint events and Teniel Campbell, another of the emblematic figures of cycling in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years, performed a special performance.

“I’m leaving Lima happy because I’ve reached my goal. I felt very good, competing from one of the best velodromes in the world, it’s spectacular. I hope to return soon and rediscover the best of our sport,” said Kelsey Mitchell.

Peru, a global sports hub

Following the awards ceremony, Legado presented the Pan American Cycling Confederation with its recognition and support for the project to convert the Legado Velodrome into a global satellite training center for cycling.

“From Legado, we give all our support to the Peruvian Cycling Federation so that the Velodrome at the headquarters of Legado Videna becomes a Satellite Cycling Training Center accredited by the International Cycling Union (UCI), because we are prepared so that the cyclists of the world come to get ready here »assured Federico Tong, executive director of Legado.

He also added that the modern Velodrome will host the Junior Pan American Cycling Championships to be held at the end of this year, thus ratifying the conditions and excellence of the country as host, having first-class sports infrastructures. .

In this sense, the President of the Pan American Cycling Confederation, José Manuel Peláez, highlighted the level of management and the coordinated work between Legado, the Peruvian Cycling Federation, as organizer; and the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), to promote international events, increasing the growth and development of national sports.

“Part of our plan is to host a World Cycling Championship, working hand in hand with Legado we have been successful in hosting the Pan American Junior Cycling Championship at this time. We are the first country to organize three major events in two consecutive years. Having accommodation, a biomedical doctor, a competition track and more in Videna itself helps delegations coming to our country to compete safely,” concluded the president of the Peruvian Cycling Federation, Gustavo Matus.

Legado’s mission is to ensure quality infrastructure and services for citizens. It also works hand in hand with various sports federations and organizations to promote high performance and position Peru as a global sports hub.

(END) NDP/JSO

Published: 08/15/2022