Former world champion Kevin Quintero added a third Panamerican keirin championship to his collection on Thursday, with victory in the men’s event in Asunción, Paraguay.

The Colombian had claimed the last place in the final with a late dash to the line in his semi, finishing third behind Nicholas Paul – winner of the overall at the past three editions – and a tenacious Juan Bautista Rodriguez.

He lined up alongside the Canadian pair of Nick Wammes and Ryan Dodyk who jointly seized control of the first semi final, and simply wouldn’t let anyone pass, with Lucas Oscar Vilar the best of the rest.

The draw for the final put the two Canadians first and second behind the pacer, well placed to repeat their semi-final strategy. Dodyk opened up a gap as the pacer left the track, with Wammes coming over the top with two laps remaining.

Quintero, drawn last in the line, stayed calm at the bottom of the track. He followed Nicholas Paul’s inevitable back-straight attack, exiting the final corner with all the momentum in his favour, and enough time for a modest celebration as he crossed the line.

‘It is an honor to represent Colombia and continue raising our cycling,’ he said afterwards. ‘This gold is for the entire team that works behind me and for the Colombians who support us.’

His fellow Colombian Cristian Ortega won the minor final, powering from the back of the line to the front with two laps remaining, and opening up a huge gap for a comfortable victory.

The women’s keirin competition takes place on Sunday: you can watch it live for free at Panam Sports Channel.