Cam Wurf says the perception of triathletes is changing big-time outside the sport, with pro cyclists now sitting up and taking notice of the likes of Norwegian stars Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden.
Speaking during an epic two-hour stint on a recent episode of the massively popular Rich Roll Podcast, Wurf shared his experiences as a dual sport athlete.
A professional cyclist for Team Ineos Grenadiers as well as an IRONMAN World Championship qualifier, Wurf has an elite foot in both the current worlds of triathlon and cycling.
He revealed there is a new-found respect amongst cyclists for triathletes, underlining just how far long-distance triathlon has come as it strives for mainstream recognition.
Wurf says triathletes are gaining respect
Giving a little detail on how he fits triathlon training in alongside his professional cycling schedule, Wurf gave a glimpse on the unconventional methods that leave some members of the peloton a little puzzled.
“The other day I was racing in Australia and afterwards I just put my shoes on and it was 22km back to the hotel, so I ran back. They [cycling teammates] really scratch their head. It’s not that I’ve saved energy or that I’m not tired, of course I’m tired, I’m just also conditioned to do that.”
Whilst it may often leave some of his compatriots somewhat bemused, Wurf takes pride in the way his success at both sports has changed the way a number of his fellow cyclists think about long course triathlon.
“One thing I’m really proud of and not just for myself, is the respect the guys have for the sport now. I think they respect me, for my role in the sport and other riders give me space and respect me in the peloton.
“They now also talk to me about the Norwegian guys [Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden] and about [Sam] Laidlow and the women, about Lucy [Charles-Barclay], as appreciation for the sport of Ironman has taken a huge shift.”
Wurf skills appreciated in the peloton
The Australian summarised that whilst cyclists used to write triathletes off as just average swimmers, cyclists and runners, seeing how Wurf fares against the best in the world has changed their perception.
“Cyclists used to think that triathletes were just okay at everything, but now they’re seeing me and thinking, ‘hang on, this guy just led us on to the cobbles at Roubaix after most of the field had been dropped.
“‘He’s then going to do an Ironman and whilst he’s one of the best in the field, he is not winning everything by a long stretch and he’s definitely not head and shoulders above anyone’.”
