Evans seeks Glasgow glory after 2014 Games inspiration
Neah Evans says it would be "incredible" to go for gold at next year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games since she is "part of the legacy" of the 2014 event in the city.
The 34-year-old two-time Olympic silver medallist has enjoyed a glittering career on the cycling track, winning a raft of major medals at World, European and Commonwealth level.
She claimed silver at Tokyo 2020 as part of the women's team pursuit and the same medal four years later alongside Elinor Barker in the women's madison.
Evans did not take the sport up full time until 2017 but says what happened in Glasgow three years earlier was pivotal to her journey.
"When we have got major championships a lot of things get bandied about like legacy and inspiring other people and I always find them a bit like buzzwords," she explained.
"But realistically I would never have got into track cycling if it hadn't been for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
"They built the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome and that's where I first did my track accreditation - I did a taster session.
"When I went to it, I was very much not a cyclist. I had never been on a fixed-gear bike, I had never had clip-in pedals, never been inside a velodrome. So I am part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"To go back and race it 12 years later, it would be absolutely incredible to come away with a gold medal. I know it is going to be difficult, the track events are very hotly contested, but it is a major target for me next season."
Hitting the road is 'no-lose situation'
This year, however, the Aberdeenshire racer will concentrate on the road to "move out of her comfort zone a little bit".
Riding for the Handsling Alba Development Team, Evans - the daughter of Ros, who represented Team GB at the 1984 Winter Olympics at cross-country skiing - hopes to scratch what she admits is a competitive itch.
Evans explains that British Cycling tends to focus on developing younger riders after an Olympic cycle, so she will not get the same number of opportunities on the track.
"So it made perfect sense to challenge myself and really focus on the road, which I have never actually done," she added.
"Although I have done a few road races over the years, it has never been a target, it has never been what I have trained for and there has always been this unknown of 'what could I do?' because I picked up one or two results along the way.
"I do believe there is potential to be successful. It is quite a big ask, but it is nice to have a different challenge, it is going to keep things fresh.
"It's a bit of a no-lose situation because I do have the spot with British Cycling. If it doesn't succeed then it has been a fun year and I go back to the track.
"If it does work wonderfully well then I will have a rethink and decide how I am going to juggle road racing and track racing."
-
Kenny 'worry' over future of Commonwealth Games
Dame Laura Kenny says she hopes next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow proves the event is still "viable" after problems finding a host city.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 10 -
Kenny 'worry' over future of Commonwealth Games
Dame Laura Kenny says she hopes next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow proves the event is still "viable" after problems finding a host city.BBC News - Mar. 10 -
SWPL Game of the weekend: Glasgow City v Hibs
Not only is it a top of the table clash between Glasgow City and Hibs on Sunday, it also marks the Glasgow club's 500th SWPL game so it's a no brainer pick for game of the weekend. It's the first ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Boy, 14, charged in connection with death of Glasgow teenager
A vigil has been held by friends of Amen Teklay, who died after an incident in Glasgow last Wednesday.BBC News - Mar. 9 -
Celtic starting XI for Glasgow derby at Paradise
Celtic are in Premiership action today (Sunday) as they play host to Rangers, looking to go 19 points clear of their city rivals at the top of the Premiership table. And there are two changes to ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
King to launch Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Baton Relay
King Charles will hand the baton to champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy as the first bearer on its journey.BBC News - Mar. 10 -
Pat McAfee loved Evan Engram’s GIF after joining Broncos
Evan Engram tweeted a GIF of the Joker after he joined the Broncos. Pat McAfee loved it.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Algerian boxer Khelif 'not intimidated' by Trump as she targets second Olympic gold in LA
Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, at the centre of a gender row at the Paris Games, is targeting a second gold in Los Angeles and says she will not be intimidated by Donald Trump."In ...Yahoo Sports - 35m -
No. 4 Florida Gators win 1st SEC Tourney title since 2014 after beating No. 8 Tennessee 86-77
Walter Clayton Jr. scored 22 points and fourth-ranked Florida won its fifth Southeastern Conference Tournament title and first since 2014 Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Ohtani hits solo HR in return to Japan, leading Dodgers' powerful offense to 6-3 win over the Cubs
Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Wednesday ...Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Full injury report for Wednesday's Sixers vs. Thunder matchup
Full injury report for Wednesday's Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Alabama basketball guard Mark Sears named AP All-American for second-straight season
Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears was named an AP All-American for the second-straight season Tuesday, receiving First Team honors.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Auburn's Johni Broome among NCAA Tournament's top south regional players
Auburn will look to its top player for guidance as the quest for an NCAA Tournament title begins.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Daniel Jeremiah predicts Commanders will select cornerback in latest mock draft
The Washington Commanders are poised to focus on defense in 2025 NFL draft as Daniel Jeremiah predicts a cornerback is selected at 29.Yahoo Sports - 14m
More in Sports
-
Fear the Dodgers? Six teams that can take down L.A. in 2025
We make the case for the biggest threats to MLB's preseason favorite.ESPN - 10m -
Ohtani hits solo HR in return to Japan, leading Dodgers' powerful offense to 6-3 win over the Cubs
Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Wednesday ...Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Full injury report for Wednesday's Sixers vs. Thunder matchup
Full injury report for Wednesday's Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Alabama basketball guard Mark Sears named AP All-American for second-straight season
Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears was named an AP All-American for the second-straight season Tuesday, receiving First Team honors.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Auburn's Johni Broome among NCAA Tournament's top south regional players
Auburn will look to its top player for guidance as the quest for an NCAA Tournament title begins.Yahoo Sports - 14m