July 25/99 6:51 am - Wohlberg Takes Gold!

Posted by Editor on 07/25/99
 

Pan Am Games Time Trial Results

Valerie Davidge has just filed a report for us from Manitoba, at the individual time trial. Canada had a very good day, with Eric Wohlberg taking the gold in the men's race, and Lyne Bessette silver in the women's. The circuit was 27 kilometres long, very flat, and VERY windy - the men did two laps, the women one. The heat was also a factor, at over 30 degrees Celcius. Eric was first at every time check, although Leipheimer was only 4 seconds back at the halfway mark. For the final circuit, though, Wohlberg cranked things up a notch, to win convincingly by 59 seconds. His average speed was 49.052 kph. 18 men contested the event.

In the women's race, American Elizabeth Emery was first off, and remained first as the rest of the small field finished (10 riders). Lyne Bessette consistently rode the second fastest time, to finish 20 seconds down. Favoured Clara Hughes, racing in her home town, started last. She was in third at the halfway mark, but increasing headwinds undoubtedly played a factor in her fourth place result. Emery's winning time translated to an average speed of 43.964 kph.

Cycling starts up again on Wednesday, with the track events. Valerie tells us that the track (built by St Catherine's Peter Junek) is in excellent shape, but that it will be very hot in 'the bowl'.

Men

1. Eric Wohlberg (CAN) 1:07:03
2. Levi Leipheimer (USA) 1:08:02
3. Marcio May (BRZ) 1:09:38
4. Daylan Casey (USA) 1:10:45
5. Grisles Pena (COL) 1:11:23

Women
1. Elizabeth Emery (USA) 37:39
2. Lyne Bessette (CAN) 37:59
3. Mari Holden (USA) 38:35
4. Clara Hughes (CAN) 39:22
5. Maureen Kaila (ELS) 40:06