First medal for Canada at junior Pan Ams

Allison Beveridge scored Canada’s first medal of the 2011 junior Panamerican road and track championships on the opening day Tuesday, winning silver in the women’s 2,000-metre individual pursuit.

After posting the fastest qualifying time on the outdoor concrete track in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Beveridge faced Mexico’s Ingrid Drexel in the final. The Canadian was a little more than one second behind after the first kilometre but faded in the final 500m to finish in 2:38.752, about two seconds down.

Nina Nesdoly of Ontario was fifth.

The Canadian men’s team sprint team of Jesse Tyler Marans, Daniel Joseph McKenzie-Picot and Kris Ousenek just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth behind Argentina, Ecuador and Brazil.

Competition continues Wednesday.