In April 2024, the VELO Sports Center in Carson, California hosted the Pan American Track Cycling Championships — an important event in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. The competition brought together national teams from across the Americas, each aiming to qualify riders, fine-tune strategy, and gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the Olympic cycle.

Over five days, the event delivered a full schedule of racing — sprints, time trials, pursuits, omniums, and madisons — each carrying different stakes depending on the country. While the competition itself was intense, the broader takeaway was one of preparation. Athletes and staff used the event as a checkpoint, testing equipment, systems, and execution under pressure.

The venue itself — a no-frills indoor velodrome tucked into a suburban sports complex — provided a clean, focused environment. Most teams operated with routine and efficiency: warm-ups on rollers, bikes lined up with tape-marked setups, and coaches tracking splits from the rail. It was less of a spectacle and more of a working environment.

There were standout performances. Team USA controlled much of the endurance program, while sprint events saw close battles between Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago. But beyond medals, what stood out most was the level of intent. Every rider, mechanic, and coach came to Carson to get sharper — not just to win, but to prepare.

The Pan American Championships rarely get widespread coverage, but they matter. For many riders, this is where Olympic plans begin to take real shape. In that sense, Carson wasn’t just another race — it was a moment of alignment. One step closer to Paris.