May 4, 2008 (Montevideo, Uruguay) – We just received an update from Zach Bell (Symmetrics) who is at the 2008 Pan American Road and Track Championships – Track May 4-8, Road May 9-11 – with Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) under the guidance of BC coach Dan Proulx. Tuft defeated his Agentinean rival in the Pursuit final with a time of 4.46.775 at the Velodrome “Atilio François” in Montevideo, Uruguay. However the victory was bitter sweet as the Scratch race started ahead of schedule while Tuft was at the doping control. As a result both Canadians missed the start in a frustrating turn of events.

Proulx, who is managing the Canadian team in Uruguay, had been asked a lot of questions about Bell and Tuft racing the Madison at the manager’s meeting. Teams were clearly trying to assess the competition as apparently there is the potential for a last chance to qualify for the Beijing Olympics for the winners of the Madison event.

Pedal will continue to report on this story as it develops.

Results

Individual Pursuit

1. Svein Tuft (Canad) 4.46.775
2. Fernando Antogna (Arg) 4.56.920
3. Jaime Suaza (Col) 4.52.200
4. Weimar Roldan (Col) 4.53.201
5. Jorge Soto (Uru) 4.53.972
6. Jorge Contreras (Chi) 4.55.420
7. Jhnony Morales (Gua) 5.02.255
8. José Medina (Chile) 5.02.495
9. Mariano De Fino (Uru) 5.07.196
10. Edgardo Lugo (Mex) 5.08.716
11. Rodolfo Avila (Mex) 5.10.561
12. Manuel Rodas (Gua) 5.15.580
13. Hersson Jimenez (Crc) 5.25.370