She changed from swimming to triathlon when the triathlon was still seen as something of an “exotic” sport, and she has never looked back. IRONMAN European Champion in 2007, runner-up in 2008, and with more than 20 years’ experience in the world of triathlon, Nicole Leder will be one of the coaches at the next Official IRONMAN Training Camp organised by Hannes Hawaii Tours on in our Zafiro Palace Alcudia hotel.

Nicole will share her experience and her way of looking at the triathlon from March 21 to April 4, and from what she has told us, we know that discipline is one of the keys to success. She also confesses that she loves to visit Mallorca every year.

Nicole, tell us a little bit more about yourself. What led you to start getting involved in triathlons?

I had been swimming since I was little, but by the time I was 16 I started to get a bit bored. That was when I had my first contact with the triathlon. My swimming coach at that time was also coaching a few "crazy" triathletes (bear in mind that in 1988 the sport was still considered fairly “exotic”). Little by little I began to train with them before finally deciding to give this great sport a chance. And I’m still involved with it to this day! And in spite of the fact that I started in swimming, my best and my favourite discipline is the road race.

This year we’re lucky to have you as the coach for the Official IRONMAN Training Camp. What aspects will the Training Camp be focusing on?

We will be training in all three disciplines, but we will focus a little more on swimming and cycling. I’m sure everyone will be happy to get away from the winter cold and enjoy the scenery, great routes and warm temperatures in Mallorca!

The important thing is to understand that the Training Camp is just an intensive period in a training programme that should last throughout the whole year. You have to train throughout the whole season, have a healthy lifestyle and know your limits.

To what kind of athlete would you recommend it?

Our Training Camp is intended for athletes with or without IRONMAN experience, who may be preparing for the event for the first time and also for amateur athletes. All of them will learn how to train and prepare for an IRONMAN event and they will also get a lot of advice that will help them in their day-to-day training regime when they return home.

If you decide to sign up for Training Camp, the coaches and the rest of the team will take care of you (“We care 4 you”). You can just focus on enjoying your training and your holidays in Mallorca, we take care of the rest.

What is the best way to prepare for an IRONMAN like the one in Alcudia?

To prepare for the Alcudia IRONMAN there is nothing better than getting in some training right here. I've been coming to Mallorca every year since 1990 and I've got ready for many of my seasons here in Alcudia. For me it’s ideal, as it brings together everything you need to train in all three disciplines: you can swim in the open sea, run around Alcudia Bay or cycle in the Sierra de Tramontana mountains.

As a triathlete, what do you look for in a hotel?

Personally, I like the hotel to have a great choice of healthy food options and all the right facilities nearby (gym, swimming pool, beach, routes, services). The general environment is also very important, you need a positive and pleasant atmosphere. If you feel comfortable, your body will adapt much better to training. The Zafiro Palace Alcudia hotel where we hold the Training Camp has all of this and more. For me it’s the perfect hotel for our triathletes.

Nicole, one last piece of advice for anyone who wants to take part in IRONMAN Alcudia-Mallorca 2020?

I would say make sure you come a few days before the event to get used to running under the Mallorcan sun … and start your training now!

Thank you so much Nicole for your time and your words. We can’t wait to see you in March 2020 at the Zafiro Palace Alcudia!