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Weirdest Pan Am story of the day: Canadian cyclist falls, wins gold

In most races, a fall during the semifinals would cost an athlete a shot at the medals. But for Canadian track cyclist Hugo Barrette, that was not the case. He overcame an early spill to win his second gold of the Pan Am Games.

Canada's Barrette overcomes semifinal tumble

Leah Smith · CBC Sports ·
Hugo Barrette (bottom) races against Venezuela's Hersony Canelon Vera during the men's sprint semifinals.Chris Young (Chris Young/CANADIAN PRESS)

In most races, a fall during the semifinals would cost an athlete a shot at the medals. But for Canadian track cyclist Hugo Barrette, that was not the case.

During his first semifinal heat in Saturday's men's sprint final, Barrette fell during the first half-lap. Luckily for him, when that happens in this event, the race is restarted due to a "mishap."

After the restart, Barrette won the best-of-three race against defending Pan Am champion Hersony Canelon Vera of Venezuela, securing a spot in the gold-medal final.

In the final, Barrette won his second gold medal of the Games by sweeping Nijsane Phillip of Trinidad and Tobago.

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