Pan American Continental Championships

Photo Credit: Maximiliano Blanco

Being my first ever Pan American Championship, I truly had no idea what to expect. I'd heard stories of the crazy travel, food, and race venues from trips in previous years, but Aguascalientes, Mexico was a new destination for me and most of our team. I joined USA Cycling and an amazing group of athletes, mechanics, and management to take on the challenge.

On arriving Tuesday evening, the action began on Wednesday with the team relay and gave a great start to the trip for Team USA. Christopher Blevins, Riley Amos, Erin Huck, Luke Vrouwenvelder, and I bought home a silver medal after an exciting race on the dusty and rocky track.

Photo Credit: Maximiliano Blanco

Saturday morning arrived with the U23 women on the line at 8:30am to start off the race day. GO time! During the first climb I was able to move my way to the front of the pack and from there I was completely focused on riding a smooth race. Each lap there was a long climb that brought us to just under 7000ft, followed by a dusty downhill with continuous natural rock features. I was completely in my zone, and towards the end of the final descent, I finally realized that I was about to win this thing. U23 Pan American Champion.... That feels pretty dang good.

The success continued for Team USA throughout the day on Saturday, with titles going to Christopher Blevins in the U23 men and Kate Courtney in the elite women, but the racing wasn't over quite yet. Sunday brought the heat once again, this time for the COPA International C1 XCO. 

I competed with the elite women and after an exciting race in a talented field, I finished in 4th place with the USA ladies owning the podium.

Pan American Championships results for Team USA:
Team Relay:  2nd place
Junior Men: 2nd place for Riley Amos
U23 Women: 1st place for me
U23 Men: 1st for Christopher Blevins
Elite Women: 1st for Kate Courtney, 2nd for Erin Huck, and 5th for Chloe Woodruff
Elite Men: 4th for Keegan Swenson
COPA International XCO C1:
Junior Men: 1st for Riley Amos
Elite Women: 1st for Kate Courtney, 2nd for Erin Huck, 4th for me, and 5th for Chloe Woodruff
Elite Men: 1st for Keegan Swenson

​Read more from @USACycling HERE:

Becoming the U23 Pan-American Champion is really special,” said Batten, “There were a lot of elements that needed to go right for a win like this and when all the pieces fall into place for a smooth race, it’s an incredible feeling. The support from USA Cycling has made it all possible and watching our team perform so well is amazing to be a part of.”