In a continuation of American dominance in women’s individual time trial at the Pan American Games, Kristen Faulkner clinched gold this Sunday at Santiago 2023. Representing Team Jayco AlUla, Faulkner seized victory in the demanding 20.1-kilometre urban circuit through the Chilean capital. Faulkner took 25 minutes and 45 seconds to secure her win as the pre-race favourite.
The Cuban Arlenis Sierra, a past champion in road races at Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019, had to settle for a silver medal. Falling just 21.73 seconds behind Faulkner, Sierra expressed satisfaction with her performance. She noted that although the circuit seemed straightforward, it had a constant incline that required additional power. Sierra also indicated she would refocus her efforts on the upcoming road race scheduled for next Sunday in the same region.
Chilean Aranza Villalón captured the bronze, coming close behind Sierra with a time gap of just 21.90 seconds. The home crowd ardently supported their local talents, Villalón and Catalina Soto Campos, the latter finishing in 13th place. An emotional Villalón thanked her fellow Chileans, stating that the home support was palpable throughout the race.
Sixteen cyclists from eleven nations participated in the race. Colombian representation saw Lina Marcela Hernández finishing in 7th, Peñuela in 8th, and Lina Mabel Rojas ending in 14th place. Prior favourites to reach the podium, the American Lauren Stephens and the previously mentioned Colombian Diana Peñuela, finished in the 4th and 8th positions respectively.
The success at the Pan American Games is seen as a precursor to garnering points for the Olympic ranking, which could influence the field for the Paris 2024 Games. With Faulkner’s win, she joins the ranks of previous American winners like the late Kelly Catlin (2015) and Chloe Dygert (2019), cementing the United States as a force to be reckoned with in women’s cycling at the Pan-American level.
2023 Pan America Games TT result
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