Search
shop

‘Keen to show that I was the right pick’: Spirig signs off in style

Nicola Spirig produced the perfect response to those who had questioned her Collins Cup wildcard
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Despite a triathlon C.V. that is close to unmatched – a five-time Olympian and gold and silver medal winner for starters – there were some questioning whether Nicola Spirig should have been given one of the two Team Europe female wildcards for the Collins Cup.

In truth it was more the embarrassment of riches available to European skippers Normann Stadler and Natascha Badmann rather than any slight on Spirig’s talents.

Stadler himself admitted in the aftermath of this year’s event: “Of course, it’s not easy, we got a lot of bashing for picking Nicola.”

But how the Swiss star, in her final season in the sport, repaid the faith and justified the Captains’ Pick, winning match #4 in emphatic style against Vittoria Lopes and Sophie Watts to collect a maximum six-point haul as Europe defended their crown.

Advertisement

‘Nice to go out like that’

But despite her stellar career, Spirig admitted she had felt the pressure going into the PTO’s flagship event.

She said: “I was actually pretty nervous. I felt pretty good, but I didn’t know what to expect and I had the extra pressure from the team. I love to race for a team, so I was nervous.

“When I came out of the water and had about 25 seconds to Lopes, I was pretty happy and I knew it could be a good day. 

Collins Cup 2022 Nicola Spirig photo credit Darren Wheeler and PTO
[Photo credit: Darren Wheeler / PTO]

“I was really keen to show that I was the right pick and I deserved the spot and I’m really happy to have helped the team to have this performance. 

“I’m just happy that in my last international race to have a good performance, to feel good in that race. It’s very nice to go out like that.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...