Evans' Commonwealth Games Preparation Hampered by Illness
Neah Evans, a five-time Commonwealth Games medalist, is one of Scotland's leading contenders for medals at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, she has disclosed that illness has affected her training and preparation for the event.
The track cyclist, who has earned two Olympic silver medals along with multiple golds at world and European championships, is managing her expectations following a challenging build-up to the competition.
"If I had had the build up I wanted then possibly I might have had one or two daydreams [of winning]," she said.
"At the moment my expectation is just being in good enough shape to put up a performance. Track cycling can be so unpredictable.
"I have had quite a lot of illness in the past year, so I am not in the form I would have hoped so that is a little bit disappointing and I have to adjust my expectations because of that."
Evans, who hails from Aberdeenshire, already holds five Commonwealth Games medals — three silver and two bronze.
"I am improving and so much better than I was this time last year but there is still a bit of a way to go.
"It is very difficult as an athlete, you see where you want to be and sometimes that is just not possible.
"Anyone who has ever had illness or injury knows it is not linear progression as much as you want it to be.
"You can go in to a race in the form of your life and come away with nothing and other times you can come in not in great shape but just have the tactically perfect race and come away on top.
"It is part of the beauty of track cycling and I am hoping that the latter comes in to play for me this time."
'LA Olympics at the Back of My Mind'
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games represent a transition period for Scottish cycling, with several prominent athletes absent from the competition.
Track cycling legend Katie Archibald will not participate as she recently retired from her distinguished career. Similarly, elite cyclist Jack Carlin retired in October of the previous year, and 19-time world champion para-cyclist Neil Fachie has indicated the event might mark the conclusion of his cycling career.
"I will doing everything in my power to be there but life can throw curveballs," Evans said regarding the Glasgow Games.
"Katie [Archibald] was absolutely flying before the Paris Olympics and then had a freak accident just before, and that was it - no Olympics.
"At the moment I am on the right trajectory but freak accidents happen."
Regarding her own future in the sport, the 35-year-old Evans shared her perspective.
"I think a lot depends on Glasgow itself, I have obviously got LA [2028 Olympics] at the back of my mind but I am aware, because I got in to cycling so late, I am an older athlete.
"The standard of cycling is always improving. While I am still competitive and enjoying it I will continue and when I decide I am not enjoying it I will go back to having a proper job.
"I am still very much enjoying it. The challenge of coming back from some time away has put a different spin on things and although it is pretty frustrating at times there is still enjoyment to be had."
