Canadian athletes roll out medal performances at the UCI track Pan-American championships in Santiago

Canadian riders pulled off a stellar showing at the 2015 UCI track Pan-American championships in Santiago, Chile, one of the most vital Olympic qualifying events. In all, Canadian athletes claimed four medals — three silver and one bronze, and all during the event’s first day.

The Canadian men’s team pursuit squad took the second fastest time during the morning qualifiers, crossing the line in 4:06.198. During the medal round, racing against Colombia, the squad — Remi Pelletier-Roy, Sean MacKinnon, Ed Veal and Aidan Caves — posted an unofficial time of 4:03.77, lowering the previous record clocked in Guadalajara, Mexico of 4:05.503, back in 2014.

Reflecting on the race, Veal’s pride in his team’s performance — to say nothing of his excitement — was palpable.

“Insanely proud moment here in Chile,” the veteran said. “It takes total trust and commitment to do what we did out there on the boards tonight. I love these guys! That ride was insane!” In addition to his appreciation for his teammates, Veal also extended a note of gratititude to everyone else involved, both at the velodrome and away. “Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way,” he said. “Thank you to all the wonderful Team Canada coaches and staff. This men’s track endurance program has come so far in such a short period, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.”

Is this really happening???Somebody pinch me. Silver in the TP yesterday and now racing for the Bronze in the IP tonight. #oldmanstrength

— Ed Veal (@RealDealVeal) September 3, 2015

The women’s scratch, a 10-km race, continued the glowing moment for Canadian track cyclists in Chile. Allison Beveride took silver following a particularly white knuckle finish, when, Cuba, the U.S. team and Canada, riding as a unit, joined forces to hold off an early attack by Argentina. The triumvirate of squads chased Argentina down and closed the gap, but with ten laps to go, the South American team surged forward in yet another attack.

Eight laps later, that attack was reeled in. Zeroing in for the attack, Beveridge inched up to the rear wheel of Jennifer Valete, racing for Team USA, but was denied a win by half a bike’s length as the U.S. rider finished first.

In the sprint, Canada’s men’s team — Hugo Barrette, Joe Veloce and Evan Carey — took silver following a breakneck race for the gold against Venezuela’s representation in Santiago, after qualifying with a time of 44.305. The womens’ team sprint, too, chalked up another podium finish for Canadian track riders at the UCI track Pan-American championships. In qualifying rounds, the team, Monique Sullivan and Kate O’Brien, took the third-fastest time with 34.028, going on to take bronze during the medal competition.

Competition continued earlier today with qualifiers in women’s team pursuit. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have a report soon.