Nicoletti Tops Charts

Nederland’s Cathy Nicoletti has discovered a new athletic career in track in her 50’s. Nicoletti, a former competitive cyclist who once rode in Boulder’s Red Zinger in the late 70s with Connie Carpenter, Sarah Doctor, and Beth Heiden. Cathy took a 20 year hiatus from competitive sports to raise a family in Nederland.

Nicoletti won the gold medal in the women’s 55-50 400 meters in 70.66 seconds in the National Outdoor Masters Championships in Charlotte, NC in August of this year, ranking her first in the United States. She also finished second in the 200 meter event behind former Sullivan award winner Philippa Raschker. In September she ran a PR of 31.16, a mark that moved her to third in the US.

Nicoletti, like many other runners, found herself running in the Bolder Boulder, finishing in the top three in her age group. She has also competed in and won her age group in numerous local road races including her hometown Neder-Nederland five times, the Lyons River Run 5K and the Eldorado Springs 4 mile. She recently picked up a $50 cash prize for being the first female Nederland resident finisher in the Neder-Nederland.

Last year Nicoletti captured gold and silver medals in the 800M and 1500M at the World Masters Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her times vaulted her to one of the top ranked women in the world.

"It was exhilarating to come across the line first in front of full stands hearing my name, and receiving the medal on the podium with the national anthem behind me, just like the Olympics."

Nicoletti found her identity as a track runner when she began working with local running coach Ric Rojas in 2004. "Cathy is a natural competitor and has found her niche running track events," said Rojas. "She is willing to run events from 100 meters to 10,000 meters and she is competitive in all of them."

Nicoletti has been able to bring her competitive cycling experience to bear on her track events. "I remembered my criterium experience and used it in the pack in the 800 and 1500, I was able to wait with the group and kick at the best moment to come across the line first. The flying elbows and knees brought back exciting memories."