Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Competing for USA Cycling, Ian Garrison blazed to a silver medal performance in the Under 23 individual time trial Friday at the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic.
The first-year Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling Team rider was 41 seconds off the winning time of José Rodríguez of Costa Rica. Rodríguez clocked a time of 37 minutes and 53 seconds to become the only rider break the 38-minute barrier in the 30-kilometer race against the clock. Nicolas Tivani of Argentina was third, 58 seconds back of Rodríguez.
"I really was not sure how the race would go," Garrison said. "After having just finished the Tour de Bretagne I was pretty worn out. I also struggled with some health issues Thursday (the day before the race) and did not not feel my best during the lead up to the race. The plan was simply to try and pace it well and give it whatever I had."
The lone male Under 23 representative for USA Cycling, Garrison earned one of three medals the United States took home in the individual time trial as Chloe Dygert and Tayler Wiles went 1-2 in the women's event. It was Garrison's second podium finish of the season, adding to a runner-up finish in the Under 23 edition of Gent-Wevelgem in late March.
"It is difficult to say where this result ranks among others simply due to the fact that it is a field of riders I have never raced before," Garrison said. "I wouldn't put it up there with my worlds result from last year (a bronze medal in the junior men's time trial). But overall, I am happy with my effort."
The 19-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, said he definitely suffered in the high humidity as he powered his Specialized Shiv around three laps of a flat, hog dog-style, out-and-back course. He credited pre-race hydration and preparation for his medal-winning performance.
"I want to say a thank you to all the USA Cycling staff," he said. "Not only for the work they put in to make it possible for us to race, but for everything they do to make sure we are at our best. It really means a lot."
