- Written by Tyrone Smith
- bbc scottish sport
image source, Getty Images
Nea Evans won a silver medal in the team pursuit at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Nia Evans leaves no doubts when asked what she hopes to achieve at this summer's Paris Olympics.
“Gold medal is my goal,” says the Team GB cyclist, of course.
Three years ago, at the coronavirus-affected Tokyo Olympics, a Scottish athlete won silver in the team pursuit event. Far from satisfying her, the 33-year-old was left wanting more.
“To be honest, I was a little disappointed because there was someone higher up,” Evans says, reflecting on the experience.
“First of all, it was surreal to be able to participate in the Olympics, and then I felt almost relieved that I had won a medal.However, I lost in the final.
“When you say that, a lot of people say, 'I still won an Olympic silver medal,' but I remember being in the media all this time and thinking, 'It could have been better.' It sounds very arrogant, but it's such a juxtaposition of emotions. ”
Winning is what British cyclists, including Evans, need to do. Her collection includes multiple gold medals from the World and European Championships.
So she heads to Paris with not only her own expectations but also the added pressure of being world champion.
“It carries a lot of prestige because you're going to be racing that year wearing a rainbow band, so it's literally a goal on your back,” Evans says.
“You're not racing for rainbows at the Olympics, but everyone knows who you are, everyone is waiting for you to make a move, and they're trying to come with you. There is.
“It's a fun pressure, but it changes the dynamics of the race in bunch racing.”
“I have no plans to retire.”
There are still a few months left until the Team GB Cycling squad for Paris is announced, but it seems certain that Evans will rejoin the squad.
She will be one of the older members of the group, but in relative terms, the former veterinarian only started cycling full-time seven years ago and has long competed at an elite level. It's not like I've continued.
Age isn't a concern for the Aberdeenshire-based rider.
“On paper, I'm older, but my minutes in the sport are still much lower than quite a few of my teammates, so that works in my favor to some extent,” she added.
“If you go into it with the attitude, “I'm still in the process of development, and there's much more I can do,'' I don't think anyone knows how high you can reach.
“I'm not trying to limit myself. I give in mentally before I give in physically. If you're my age, it's easy to do that and think, 'This is my physiological limit.' But you're only as old as you are. I feel it.
“I have no plans to retire at this time. I had some relevant work experience when I was working as a veterinarian. I love the job and find it very rewarding, but I have no plans to return quickly. there is no.”
