TARA WHITTEN TAKES SILVER MEDAL AS SHE RETURNS TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Whitten has eyes set on the women’s individual time trial at Rio 2016

(Ottawa, ON – May 7, 2015) Tara Whitten of Edmonton, AB (The Cyclery-OPUS) won the silver medal in the individual time trial race Thursday at the 2015 UCI Road Pan-American Championships.

The London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist took a break from competition after the Olympic Games to focus on completing her doctorate studies. In the spring, she announced her return to competition with the objective to compete for Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Today, she tackled the flat 18-km course with confidence, and crossed the finish line 15s back of Carmen Small of the United States of America, who posted the winning time of 27:55.

“It feels really good to be back in international competition ‎after almost three years away,” said Tara Whitten from Mexico. “My legs were feeling really good today.  My pacing was a little off, but I’m happy that I could hold it together for a strong finish. I’m looking forward to building on this result as the rest of the season unfolds.”

Whitten will next race for the National Team at the 2015 Amgen Tour of California Invitational Time Trial, May 15 at Big Bear Lake.

Adam De Vos (Team HR Block) posted the best time for Canadians in the Men U23 time trial race, in seventh place. Alex Cataford (Silber Pro Cycling) punctured and suffered mechanical issues, finishing ninth.

The road races at the UCI Pan-American Championships will take place Saturday and Sunday.