Pan American Inline Speed Skating’s Team USA rolled into their first day of competition on Monday, August 11 at the Parque del Este in Santo Domingo.  The game was scheduled at 9:00 but was moved to 15:00 due to no photo finish or timing systems.  Skaters needed to adjust to the slick surface of the track.

Julie Glass (Olympia, Wash.) placed third in the 200m time trials with a time of 19.29, which was close behind Argentina’s Andrea Gonzalez.  Team Chili’s Paloma Verdugo rolled into first with a time of 18.81.

Glass dominated in the 5,000m point’s race, rolling away with 26 points, which placed Cecilia Baena at second with 22 points. 

“The track is really smooth and slick, and the heat makes it slicker,” said Glass.  “At least all of these skaters are under the same conditions.  That made the 5,000m point’s race less physical.  The three girls that I thought would be up front were.  I still have to do well tomorrow to win the gold.”

Joey Mantia (Ocala, Fla.) placed second in the 200m time trials with a time of 18.04. Cuba’s Jorge Torres rolled in behind Mantia with a time of 18.14.  Jose Guzman of Chili took the first spot with 17.86

Joey Mantia led the 10,000m point’s race with 44 points. Argentina’s Cabricio Seguell came in second with 33 points, and Ecuador’s Gustago Navia rolled into third with 22 points. 

“I didn’t feel as good as I thought I would because of the heat,” said Mantia.  I skated against the current world champion, and I was the only junior out there.  Nobody wanted to waste the energy to get physical during the race because you had to use it for the corners.”

Tomorrow Glass and Mantia will race in the 500m and the 5,000m race.  Competition starts at 9:00 at the Parque del Este.  Races tomorrow will be combined for one placement in gold, silver and bronze in the men and women division.