LEAH KIRCHMANN TAKES SILVER AT PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Canada ends these Championships with seven medals

(Mar del Plata, ARG – March 11, 2012) Leah Kirchmann of Winnipeg, MB took the silver medal in the women’s road race as the 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships came to an end on Sunday in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.

After 90 kilometers of racing, Kirchmann crossed the finish line in second place of a bunch sprint. In today’s finale, it was Cuban rider Yumari Gonzalez who was the fastest against Kirchmann and Janildes Fernandez of Brazil.

“I’m really excited that I won a silver for Canada. It’s one of my greatest achievements and it was one of my targeted races this season. The team worked really well together. We wanted a break so we played well off each other by continually attacking and putting pressure on the group. The Americans wanted a sprint so they brought back a lot of the attacks. It worked well for us in the end,” said Kirchmann, the 2011 Canadian Criterium Champion and winner of the 2011 Tour of Elk Grove.

“I really enjoyed my time in Argentina. The staff made our time easy as they were so helpful – we were well taken care of,” Kirchmann added.

Denise Kelly, Head coach of the Canadian Road Cycling Team, is happy with this podium performance. “I couldn’t be happier with the overall success of the team. Motivation was high all through the week, and the team cohesion was great and the athletes performed their best. It’s a great start to the season for us.”

Five other Canadians were in the race: Rhae Shaw of Seattle, WA, Denise Ramsden of Yellowknife, NWT, Karol-Ann Canuel of Amos, QC, Heather Logan-Sprenger of Madoc, ON, and Joanie Caron of Québec, QC.

The 12-lap, 90-kilometer race took place on a 7.5 kilometer circuit, which featured a sharp, 200m ascent soon after the start finish line, the biggest challenge for the riders.

Canada ended a very successful 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships, winning five medal on the track and two medals on the road.