Alness cyclist Kyle Gordon never looked back after competing for Scotland in Commonwealth Games in Australia as he now prepares for Birmingham
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COMMONWEALTH Games cyclist Kyle Gordon says he couldn’t leave full time cycling after representing Scotland four years ago.
The 33-year-old from Alness represented Scotland at the 2018 Games at Gold Coast, Australia where he finished ninth in the individual pursuit, 11th in the 15km scratch race and 20th in the 40km points race.
Gordon has been called up for the Scotland squad again for this summer’s games in Birmingham.
Four years ago, Gordon took an eight month sabbatical from his previous job as an offshore worker before competing at the Games.
He impressed professional cycling teams so much that he never returned to his previous job, saying it was the best decision he made.
“It was five years ago in September that I took an eight month sabbatical and I never went back,” said Gordon.
“I just kept making gradual progress on the bike and got more hooked on the adrenaline rush and the environment.
“I found it highly addictive and thought to myself how can I walk away from something I love so much and I am continuing to make these gains over time?”
Gordon rides with Spellman Dublin Port Track Team which compete on UCI events around the world.
He says he has enjoyed the journey in his professional cycling career so far.
“Being able to get access to World Cup track events has been a great experience.
“Things keep happening. I have been in the right place at the right time.
“It has been an exciting journey, a lot has happened in the last four years.
“I have been riding for top UCI teams and competed in the highest level of track races around the world.
“I have been rubbing shoulders with people I never thought I would and people I have looked to aspire to.
“It has been an extremely rewarding sabbatical.”
Gordon believes he can be in the mix to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He says he is looking to return from the Games with a medal around his neck.
He said: “I am looking to get into the mix of the medals and be up on the podiums.
“We are working as a team to do that and I would like to be on the podium by the end of it.
“To do the Commonwealth Games for a second time is fantastic.”
