March 08, 2012 (Mar del Plata, Argentina) – Canada ended the track portion today at the 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships with yet another gold medal, as Monique Sullivan of Calgary, Alberta won her second gold medal, this time in the women’s Keirin.

In a day filled with rain delays, Sullivan made her way to the decisive race, passing through the repechage rounds. In the gold medal race, she edged Daniela Gaxiola of Mexico in second and Jennifer Valente of the United States of America in third. Allison Beveridge, also of Calgary, placed 9th.

“This was a great test of mental focus with several rain delays and lots of unknowns. I have put a lot of effort into the mental side of racing and it paid off today! I had a simple race plan, I stayed focused, and I executed a good ride. Venezuela and I will have our final face off for the Olympic spot at the World Championships next month. Can’t wait!” said Sullivan.

The women’s Keirin title is the second earned by Sullivan at this important event for the Olympic qualification process.

Canada’s Track Cycling Team earned a total of five medals at this event, with Monique Sullivan winning two gold medals in the women’s Sprint and Keirin, the women’s Team Pursuit of Laura Brown, Stephanie Roorda and Allison Beveridge taking the Pan-American title, Travis Smith winning the bronze medal in the men’s Keirin. Finally, the men’s Team Sprint squad of Travis Smith, Joseph Veloce and Hugo Barrette took the silver medal.

The competition also marked the first cycling race for Heather Moyse, who finished fourth in the 500m TT and fifth in the women’s sprint.

The 2012 Pan-American Championships road events will begin tomorrow with the time trial race, and Canada will have two riders on the start list: Rhae Shaw and Denise Ramsden.

Results

Women’s Keirin

Round 1

Heat 1
1. Daniela Larreal (Venezuela)
2. Juliana Gaviria (Colombia)

Heat 2
1. Monique Sullivan (Canada)
2. Daniela Gaxiola (Mexico)

Heat 3
1. Lisandra Guerra (Cuba)
2. Jennifer Valente (USA)

Repechage

Heat 1
1. Dana Feiss (USA)
2. Gledimar Tapia (Venezuela)
3. Almada Daiana (Argentina)

Heat 2
1. Allison Beveridge (Canada)
2. Karen Cruz (El Salvador)
3. Sumaia Ribeiro (Brazil)

Final

1. Monique Sullivan (Canada)
2. Daniela Gaxiola (Mexico)
3. Jennifer Valente (USA)
4. Daniela Larreal  (Venezuela)
5. Dana Feiss (USA)
6. Karen Cruz (El Salvador)
7. Sumaia Ribeiro (Brazil)
8. Gledimar Tapia (Venezuela)
9. Allison Beveridge (Canada)
10. Daiana Almada (Argentina)