March 29, 2015 (Cota, Colombia) – Canada’s Haley Smith claimed the bronze in the U23 Women’s XC race at the 2015 Pan American MTB Championships in Cota, Columbia this morning. Smith was in second behind eventual winner Kate Courtney (USA) after the first lap of four with Yosiana Quintero (COL) in third and Michela Molina (ECU) in fourth.

On lap 2 Smith held her own but Molina moved into third and on the third lap Smith was battling her for the silver. In the end the reigning U23 Canadian MTB XC champ settled for the bronze as Courtney claimed the gold. This is Smith’s first international podium for Canada.

Howard Grotts (USA) won the U23 Men’s race over Colombia’s Hilvar Malaver in second with fellow American Keegan Swenson landing 3rd on the podium. Canada’s Marc Andre Fortier finished 32nd.

Results (brief)

U23 Women

1. Kate Courtney (USA) 1:09.40
2. Michela Molina (ECU) 1:19
3. Haley Smith (CAN) 2:25
4. Yosiana Quintero (COL)

U23 Men

1. Howard Grotts (USA) 1:22:07
2. Hilvar Malaver (COL) 0:52
3. Keegan Swenson (USA) 1:30

32. Marc Andre Fortier (CAN) -1 lap