Gustav Iden has opened up about being overlooked by the Norwegian Triathlon Federation for a slot at this week’s eagerly-waited Olympic Games Paris Test Event.

The 27-year-old IRONMAN World Champion has endured a difficult year, struggling for form after returning to short-course racing and dealing with the death of his mother after a brave battle against cancer.

The year became more difficult still when the Norwegian Triathlon Federation decided to choose Casper Stornes over Iden for the final men’s individual spot for the big dance in the French capital on Friday.

Explaining that decision, the Federation’s Sports Director and Head Coach Arild Tveiten said: “The test event is an important race and we have selected the athletes we think it’s best based on earlier results this year and fitness as it is now.

“And the last place was a close call between Gustav Iden and Casper Stornes. And our coaches and selection committee, together with the Olympic committee, finally decided who will race the test event.”

On Monday Iden, who is entered for World Cup races in Valencia and Karlovy Vary next month as he tries to get his Olympic qualification bid on track, opened up about the decision.

Gustav Iden on Paris snub

Writing in an Instagram post, he said: “Font Romeu camp done. My fitness is getting better, but honestly I have no expectations to perform with the top dogs in @professionaltriathletesorg PTO Asian Open Singapore. Still looking forward to race and explore a new place.

“My schedule was changed after I was deemed “not good enough” to race the Paris Test Event after spending the first part of the season getting enough points to be on the start list. I made the start list, which in my opinion is “good enough”, but that is how things are sometimes. Anyway, will do the bike fam in Paris before I head over to Singapore Wednesday.”

As Iden stated, he will join compatriot Kristian Blummenfelt on the start line for Sunday’s PTO Tour Asian Open in Singapore.