The 16-year-old has won NSW state titles in the individual pursuit, scratch race and madison on the track and the hill climb and criterium on the road.

Just last week she took out second place in the individual time trial at the under-15 to under-17 Road National Championships in Toowoomba.

A natural talent who found her way to the sport through her parents, Nicola was selected in the NSW junior team at her first attempt in 2013.

"My parents were always riding when I was growing up and I looked up to them," Nicola said.

However, it was a trip to the 2012 Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne that really ignited her desire.

"They were going so fast and I knew that I wanted to try it and have that feeling."

She describes her racing style as "aggressive" and has a sense of quiet confidence about her.

The St Pius Year 10 student balances her study with training - she rides 150 to 200 kilometres a week.

"My friends don't understand, they're like 'how do you even do that?' " she said.

Next for Nicola is a step up from under-17s to senior racing in under-19s, where she hopes to be noticed by state and national team selectors.

Long-term she has set her sights on Commonwealth and Olympic Games appearances, and she wants to make a career in the sport.

"I want it to be my life. I'm leaning towards a career on the track because there's more funding and opportunity there compared to the road."

Nicola will get a taste of senior international racing at the Oceania Track Championships at Adelaide in October, pitting Australia against New Zealand in one of the sport's biggest rivalries.

"I'm really looking forward to it, it's a big challenge," Nicola said.

Cycling's Oceania Track Championships run from October 8 to 11.