Nicole van der Kaay’s triathlon world currently exists at two completely different speeds, all wrapped up in a mostly enviable nomadic training and racing lifestyle at exotic locales around the globe.
The balancing act between surprise T100 contender and LA 28 Olympic Games aspirant errs back to the slightly more endurance side of the equation in Spain this weekend.
The Kiwi No.1 arrives at T100 Pamplona-Navarra in Spain as one of the most intriguing athletes in the 20-strong field.
Van der Kaay’s superb 4th-place finish on T100 debut on the Gold Coast in late March turned heads across the sport, not simply because of the result, but because of what came next.
While many of her new middle-distance rivals settled into T100 and Ironman preparation blocks, the Taupō 30-year-old immediately switched gears completely, diving straight back into the Olympic pathway to defend her Oceania SuperSprint title at Runaway Bay.
Different energy systems. Different race psychology. Different demands entirely. She’s no trailblazer but NVDK is currently making it work better than most.
After Spain, it’s on to WTCS Quiberon and Hamburg for critical individual and Mixed Relay Olympic qualifiers. After that? Just have your passport ready.
The globe-trotting saw NVDK land in Pamplona earlier this week after a heat-training block in Phuket following the Gold Coast double.
“From 30-degree Phuket water to 15 — that’s one way to shake off jet lag!” van der Kaay posted on social media.
“Already loving the course, the scenery, and the overall vibe.
“One of the best parts of training and racing is getting to explore new places along the way.”
The Spain start list underlines just how quickly van der Kaay’s Gold Coast performance shifted perceptions.
She’ll start seeded second behind Swiss star Imogen Simmonds, with reigning T100 world champion Kate Waugh returning after missing the opener through injury.
Paris Olympic silver medallist Julie Derron looms as another major threat alongside Georgia Taylor-Brown, India Lee, Bianca Bogen and Hayden Wilde’s Belgian partner Hanne De Vet.
Absent, though, are Gold Coast winner Taylor Knibb and runner-up Jessica Fullagar — opening the door for another major NVDK statement.
And make no mistake, the Gold Coast wasn’t a surprise internally.
Those close to van der Kaay have long believed her engine, resilience and tactical feel made the 100km format a natural fit once the opportunity came.
The fascinating part now is how long she can continue living in both worlds.
Because while the T100 scene increasingly looks like fertile ground, van der Kaay remains deeply embedded in New Zealand’s WTCS and Mixed Relay plans as the LA28 qualification cycle begins to accelerate through Europe.
For now, though, the focus narrows back onto Pamplona.
Another stacked field. Another 100km examination. Another chance to prove the Gold Coast was only the beginning.
The race will be streamed live on the T100 Triathlon World Tour YouTube channel @T100Triathlon from 11:30pm NZT Saturday.
Women’s T100 Spain start list
- Imogen Simmonds (SUI)
- Nicole van der Kaay (NZL)
- Bianca Bogen (GER)
- Sara Perez Sala (ESP)
- Lotte Wilms (NED)
- Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS)
- Alanis Siffert (SUI)
- Daniela Kleiser (GER)
- Hanne De Vet (BEL)
- Julie Derron (SUI)
- Kate Waugh (GBR)
- Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR)
- Holly Lawrence (GBR)
- India Lee (GBR)
- Taylor Spivey (USA)
- Lizzie Rayner (GBR)
- Cathia Schär (SUI)
- Audrey Merle (FRA)
- Sophie Evans (GBR)
- Petra Kurikova (CZE)
