Nicholas Paul on brink of second UCI World medal

Ace cyclist Nicholas Paul is on course to bring home another historic International Cycling Union World Championships medal after advancing to the men’s sprint semi-finals in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday.

Paul, 24, defeated multiple British champion Joseph Truman in straight rides of the quarter-final event to book a spot in Monday’s semi-final duel.

After losing the first ride, Truman, who started from the front, tried to switch tactics with an early sprint to catch Paul off-guard. However, Paul, the Flying 200m world record holder, was too fast and beat his rival by half a bike.

Also moving on the semis were three-time Olympic and 15-time World Champs medallist Harrie Lavreysen (Netherlands), England’s two-time Olympic medallist Jack Carlin and speedster Mateusz Rudyk (Poland).

Paul will face Rudyk in heat two of Monday’s semi-final ride from approximately 7:15am (TT time). The final rides off later on in the day.

If Paul earns a medal at the championships, he will become the most decorated TT cyclist at the event. His first World Championship medal came in 2021, when he rode to silver in the men’s 1km time trial in France.

The only other two TT medallists on this stage are Roger Gibbon (1km time trial bronze, 1967) and Gene "Geronimo" Samuel (1km time trial bronze, 1991).

Additionally on Sunday, endurance cyclist Akil Campbell was unable to complete the first round of men’s omnium - men’s scratch race. He now shifts focus to the tempo, elimination and points races to better his chances of an improved overall finish.

On Tuesday, Paul and compatriot Kwesi Browne return to the velodrome to begin their keirin qualification journeys. The men’s 1km time trial also rides off on Tuesday.