Back in the day, the impasse at the Pan American Games that prevented the multiple medalist from winning the gold medal is now in the past, but a new opportunity to showcase her talent arose in Belgium.
Mariana Pajón took to the track at Heusden-Zolder to set the first records and finish in the number one position with a time of 35’’.741 and qualify for the Elite Women's Super Final.
The battle against Australian Caroline Buchanan and Dutchwoman Laura Smulders, her fiercest rivals, was relentless. The rain arrived in Zolder and it was a neck-and-neck duel for the gold medal in the BMX World Championship Time Trial.
In the end, the Colombian's experience paid off, bringing joy to Colombia and reaffirming her reign in women's BMX, achieving her 17th title with a time of 35".518.
As a curious fact about the Belgian track, one of the turns bears her surname.