February 10, 2013 (Mexico City, MEX) – Joseph Veloce of Fonhtill, ON scored silver for Canada on Sunday as he made the final against Hersony Canelón from Venezuela on the CNAR velodrome in Mexico City. Although Canelón had more speed, winning the first heat by a bike length, Veloce showed his tactical strength in the second heat, which he lost by only a few centimetres.

The silver medal is a personal best result for Veloce who had a great qualification round placing 3rd at 9.802 and then raced superbly to advance through each round beating Flavio Wagner of Brazil to make Sunday’s semifinal before making the gold medal round.

“I’m really excited because this is my first international podium (in an individual event),” said Veloce, who was also part of the team sprint squad that won silver on the opening day of competition. “This is a great start to my preparation for the next Olympics, and I’d like to thank all the staff for their support here.”

His teammate Hugo Barrette qualified 4th (9.864) also advancing well but was eliminated by a rider from Argentina in the quarterfinals ending up a strong 5th overall.

Results

Men’s Sprint

Semi Final

1. Hersony Canelón (Venezuela)    10.567, 10.212
2. Leandro Hernan Bottasso (Argentina)

Heat 2
1. Joseph Veloce (Canada)    10.159, 10.304
2. Santiago Ramirez Morales (Colombia)

Final

For Gold
1. Hersony Canelón (Venezuela)    10.283, 10.435
2. Joseph Veloce (Canada)

For Bronze
1. Santiago Ramirez Morales (Colombia)    10.103, 10.174
2. Leandro Hernan Bottasso (Argentina)