Interview Katelyn Nicholson

She started her sports carreer in triatlon & rowing, but after 3 years of cycling, she already became champion of a whole continent. Katelyn Nicholson is the current Oceanian champion and would like to shine overseas as well. A crash finished her European campaign early on, but she's determined to shine again on the international stage in the coming year as well. Last month, she already won a race again, now she's ready for a new succesful Australian Summer.

You became Oceanian road champion this year. What does this title mean to you?

In my sporting career, this would be the greatest achievement to date. Although an achievement like that in cycling is never alone. Racing as part of Team BridgeLane, an Australian Continental Team, we had a specific plan, but naturally as the race progressed this plan changed. The commitment the girls made to the team that day was second to none, it is always difficult to sacrifice your own chance of glory in support of another when it is one of the biggest races of the year. We were fortunate that any one of the girls could have won on the day and I was lucky this time it was me. I will never forget the feeling of crossing the line with a gap back to the peloton. Having the opportunity to represent the Oceania Jersey this year has been truly special and something I have absolutely cherished.

Your European season abruptly ended due to a broken collarbone. Is it your ambition to race again there?

It was my first year racing in Europe, I knew to expect it to be vastly different to racing in Australia, but I was very much looking forward to the opportunity and learning as much as I could with my team. We were fortunate to be awarded starts in multiple UCI races in Belgium as well as a start in the Tour of Switzerland, a race in which I was most excited about. However, during a local Kermesse in Belgium I was involved in a crash where I broke my collarbone and elbow which cut my Euro season in half. As unfortunate as this was after having an experience in Europe I am most definitely excited to get back for the 2025 season.

You booked 4 victories at home soil this year. What are your strengths?

2024 has been an incredible year for myself and my team. Much like the Oceania Road Race, these successes were not possible without the girls and the support of the team. Each race we had a team plan which always changed throughout the race, but due to the skills of the girls and the communication from our managers meant that we could all make the most of every scenario that would play out. We all had a great season and a lot of fun but it never felt that these were my wins, they were team wins and it has been very special to represent some of the jerseys for the team.

The success of my year is also a testament to my coach and physiotherapist Nick Jehu, who has been able to assist in my recovery back to racing post-injury. We used some modalities like blood flow restriction, strength training and heat training to maintain my leg strength, while progressing recovery of my injuries and I managed to get back to full strength on the bike surprisingly quick. Cycling is a world where you have got to be two steps ahead so having a good support network is the best strength someone can have.

Physically speaking, my experience as a rower and a triathlete has given me to ability to maintain a consistent power for long periods, like driving a break away, on a long climb or in a time trial, which is my most favourite event.

You've done triathlon before. Do you sometimes still like to go swimming or running for fun?

I think it’s important to have a healthy balance, cycling is a sport that takes up so much of your time, it’s important to have other hobbies and interests. A happy person will be a better athlete, mixing up my training where I can is good for my mentality and enjoyment. I have a very active dog who loves to join me on my runs so it’s always a great motivation to get out the door for a run with her. However, I’m not sure you’ll ever see me jump in the pool for a swim, the only swimming I might be doing will be in the bath tub!

Do you believe that the international federations should give more support to cycling in Australia?

Honestly, this is a very difficult question, it is always going to be difficult for any person from a country who is geographically far away from Europe to be able to afford to race there. Not to mention the time away from friends and family, however, it is a commitment any elite sports person will make in order to achieve the goals they set out to do.

What are your goals in cycling?

My ultimate goal would be to make it into a World Tour team and have the opportunity to race in the Tour de France. To also be able to represent Australia at a World Championships and Olympics would be incredible.

Which advice would you give now to young girls who are looking up to you now?

I almost feel as though this question is something someone with more experience than I have should be answering! But, from my short time as a cyclist and also drawing from my time as a rower, I would say to keep searching for more from yourself. There is always more to give and another step to take. I believe it is all about the mental game, everyone is fit and strong but it comes down to who is able to fight for it more, work on your headspace and never give in. Sport is never easy but that’s the thrill of the chase. It is important to maintain resilience, because many times things do not go to plan and you have got to be able to find another way to achieve the goals you set for yourself. However, most importantly, always remember why you chose to do what you do and have fun along the way, enjoyment is the key to success.

What can we wish you for 2025?

Racing in Australia is busy at the start of the year with our Summer of Cycling. I will be competing in the Australian National Road and Time Trial Championships in January 2025, followed by our new and exciting ProVelo Super League, racing all around Australia. I will then travel to Europe to race and hopefully I can find a team that I can work for.