Search
shop

Blu and Iden confident current training environment is best fit

Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden remain confident that their current training environment is the ideal fit ahead of Paris 2024.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

After winning pretty much all there is to win over the past two seasons, Norwegians Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden have little left to prove in the sport of triathlon.

However, an Olympic medal still eludes Iden, as does a Kona IRONMAN win for Blummenfelt. With some commentators arguing the pair should train separately to chase their individual goals, we put that direct to the dynamic duo.

“The logic of it doesn’t make sense”

When posed with the question if one would be better off without the other, both Iden and Blummenfelt were adamant that their environment was the best for both of them.

Olav Bu Kristian Blummenfelt wide angle
(Photo credit: Olav Aleksander Bu)

Blummenfelt said: “I think the reason that I lost Hawaii was not because we were training together, but how my season was building up. For the same reason, I wasn’t the reason that he didn’t win in Tokyo, as there were also six other guys between us.”

Iden added: “It doesn’t make any sense. If the programme is the best for me then why would it be better to change and do something else. I don’t see the logic in it at all.”

The pair firmly believe that in short course especially, training and working together will be key if they are to succeed in Paris. A point which Blummenfelt, the defending Olympic champion, reinforced.

He said: “In short distance there are 15-20 guys who are tough to beat on the day. In Paris we are racing more as a team than as rivals, and in short course we can work together to get the best result possible.”

And summarising the recipe for success for himself and for Iden ahead of Paris, it will take “a year and a half without mistakes and a ton of hard work.”

The pair kick off their 2023 season in Abu Dhabi on 4-5 March, and have been preparing at a new location for the first race of the WTCS calendar.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
challenge roth race ranger
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
Alistair Brownlee bike penalty T100 Ibiza 2024 Photo credit PTO
What’s the most aero way to carry water on your triathlon bike?
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Triathlon legend and current world record holder Anne Haug announces her retirement
Lovseth Perterer Sanchez IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
Rising Norwegian star underlines Kona claims and says that’s now the big goal
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...