Santiago, CHE (Oct. 27, 2023) – The men’s pursuit team ended track cycling at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on a high note with a gold medal and second consecutive Pan American record on Oct. 27 in Chile.
Chris Ernst, 24, of Kitchener, ON, Olympian Michael Foley, 24, of Milton, ON, Carson Mattern, 19, of Ancaster, ON, and Sean Richardson, 22 of Vancouver, BC, returned to the Velódromo Parque Peñalolén to close the book on a dominant run with the gold medal final. The squad caught Colombia in the final lap with a time of 3:53.593m, beating the Pan American record they set the day before in the process. They were joined on the podium by teammate Campbell Parrish, 18, of Vancouver, BC, who rode in yesterday’s round one, and by the United States in the bronze medal position.
“It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. I’ve been to a few World Championships and other events and the vibe is unmatched here,” said Mattern, who was 2022 Junior Track World Champion in the men’s individual pursuit and omnium. “Just being around all the best athletes from our country as well as others uplifts us to do the best and represent Canada the best we can. It’s a really tight-knit squad, we all have each other’s backs… I know I have a job to do, everyone else does their job, we take care of each other and win medals.”
National Team Coach Laura Brown added, “Other than Michael, this was everyone’s first Games experience, so all five riders did a great job handling the crowd, the distractions and the pressure they put on themselves. We often race Colombia in the Pan American finals and they always put up a good battle so it was an exciting race. It’s still not a personal best for our team, which shows you how much talent this young team really has, but any time you break a record is something to be proud of. In addition to their talent, I’m also proud of how much love this team has for each other and how much they support each other.”
Ernst and Foley had a quick turnaround after collecting their medals to perform in the men’s Madison. Foley successfully returned to his bike after an early collision to finish the 200-lap race alongside Ernst, placing fifth overall with 33 points. Mexico ended up with gold (90 points), while Colombia took silver (46 points) and the United States earned bronze (43 points).
James Hedgcock, 21, represented the maple leaf in the men’s keirin. After finishing second in round one to earn a place in the 1-6 final, the Ancaster, ON, native ultimately placed fourth. Gold went to Kevin Santiago Quintero Chavarro (COL); silver to Nicholas Paul (TTO); and bronze to Juan Carlos Ruiz Teran (MEX).
Sarah Orban, 28, of Calgary, AB, wrapped up the women’s sprint in the 5-8 final, where she placed sixth overall.
Canada’s run in the women’s Madison ended early after Ngaire Barraclough, 21, of Edmonton, AB, experienced a minor collision. She was partnered with Devaney Collier, 25, also of Edmonton.
More information, including results and the full schedule of events, can be found at www.santiago2023.org. Competition for Team Canada’s cyclists continues Oct. 29 with the road race.
Media Inquiries // Demandes médias:
Caroline Soble, caroline.soble@cyclingcanada.ca