Small wins Pan American Continental time trial title

LEON, Mexico (AP) Carmen Small of the United States locked up her spot for the world championships in September when she won the time trial at the Pan American Continental Road Championships on Thursday.

Small covered the 13 1/2-mile course in 27 minutes, 55.178 seconds, beating silver medalist Tara Witten of Canada by more than 15 seconds. Clemilda Fernandes Silva of Brazil was third.

The winner automatically earned an invitation to worlds in Richmond, Virginia.

Tayler Wiles, who joined Small in contesting the time trial for the U.S., punctured a tire and finished in 11th place. Wiles had replaced Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong after USA Cycling's roster selection process was called into question.

Small will join teammates Lauren Hall and Coryn Rivera on Saturday for the road race.