Amber Neben (Lake Forest, Calif.) and Lauren Stephens (Dallas) topped the podium today in the Individual Time Trial at the 2018 Pan American Road Cycling Championships in San Juan, Argentina. Neben won gold with a time of 25:30 on the 19 km course, and Stephens claimed silver, finishing at 25:53.
“The race went exceedingly well today,” said Jack Seehafer, USA Cycling Women's Endurance Program Manager. “Both riders knew the high importance of the race and were focused on taking home the win. I am extremely proud of their results and the fact we have added another start position for the TT at Worlds.”
Neben and Stephens, both members of the USA Cycling National Team, challenged the course among a field of 21 total riders representing 13 countries. Colombia’s Ana C. Sanabria finished third at 26:24. It marked Neben’s third ITT win at the Pan American Championships, which includes victories in 2012 and 2006.
With her win, Neben qualified to race at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships this September in Innsbruck-Tirol, Austria. Her continental title also adds another starter to the team quota for the world championships, increasing U.S. rider Individual Time Trial entries to three.
"Amber's win is significant as it earns her a direct entry to World Championships while increasing our team quota, giving additional talented American women a shot at the World Championship podium,” said Scott Schnitzspahn, USA Cycling Vice President of Elite Athletics. “We are extremely proud of both Amber and Lauren's achievements today."
The Pan American Championships are held annually for member nations of the Pan American Cycling Confederation, and 2018 marked the third time the event has been held in Argentina. Riders who competed in the Pan American Cycling Championships were selected by their respective national governing bodies, and the race provides another avenue for athletes to qualify for World Championships.
The USA Cycling 2018 UCI Road World Championships selection criteria are available here.
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