Paul targets golden chapter at Commonwealth Games

Nicholas Paul, Trinidad and Tobago's star cyclist, is heading to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a clear ambition: to prove his 2022 success was not a one-off. Four years after announcing himself on the Commonwealth stage, Paul returns as a more mature athlete with a refined training regimen and an unwavering focus on a long-term goal – becoming his nation's first Olympic cycling medalist.

“

Of course, people will have expectations but my focus is on executing my race plan, trusting the work I’ve put in and to put my best foot forward in the races. If I do that, the results will take care of themselves.

The 27-year-old cyclist has spent much of the Olympic cycle training at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland. This structured environment has allowed for consistent development, a stark contrast to previous cycles marked by interruptions. Paul will contest four events in Glasgow: the sprint, keirin, team sprint, and the one-kilometer time trial. This ambitious program reflects the high expectations that have followed him since his remarkable performance in Birmingham in 2022.

“

This cycle has been a lot more structured. I’ve had more time training at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland and we’ve been able to build consistently over the past few years.

In Birmingham, Paul achieved a full set of medals, securing gold in the 1km time trial with a Games-record performance, silver in the keirin, and bronze in the sprint. Despite the weight of these achievements, Paul remains grounded. "Of course, people will have expectations but my focus is on executing my race plan, trusting the work I’ve put in and to put my best foot forward in the races," he stated. He believes that if he performs at his best, the results will follow.

“

I’ve also become more experienced as an athlete, so I understand my body, my training and my recovery much better than I did four years ago.

Paul describes his current preparation as his best yet, benefiting from uninterrupted access to world-class facilities and a structured training schedule. His experience has grown, allowing him to better understand his body, training, and recovery. This development has been evident in his consistent strong performances on the international circuit throughout 2026, where he has frequently reached medal rounds and remained a top contender in his events. His time in Switzerland has provided him with not just raw power, but also the refined skills and experience needed to compete at the highest level.

“

Preparations have been going really well. The environment at the World Cycling Centre is world class and I’ve had everything I need to prepare properly.