Search
shop

Dream catchers: Arild Tveiten on Iden & Blu IM challenge

Arild Tveiten on the step up to full distance for Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Science has played a big part in Norway’s rise to pro triathlon prominence, but the value of dreaming is just as important.

It has been another banner year for the Scandinavian nation with Kristian Blummenfelt winning Olympic gold in Tokyo and Gustav Iden claiming a second IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship title in St George.

Now the pair face another new frontier in the next six weeks as they take on triathlon’s full distance for the first time.

Iden will lock horns with modern-day GOAT Jan Frodeno among others at IRONMAN California on October 24. And four weeks later on November 21 Blummenfelt will line up for IRONMAN Cozumel in Mexico.

Evolution = motivation

One of the key people behind Norway’s success so far is triathlon federation Sports Director Arild Tveiten. He says constant evolution for the athletes, as well as the coaches, provides huge motivation.

“For me as a coach it’s important that they follow their dreams since there’s a big motivation in that,” he told TRI247.

“There are also a lot of learnings from trying different distances. and we need to dig into the science to be best prepared. And there is a lot of motivation for the coaches too here. It is always about trying to develop and gain more experience.”

Kristian Blummenfelt Arild Tveiten Mallorca 2016
Kristian Blummenfelt, pictured in 2016 with Arild Tveiten – Sports Director of the Norwegian Triathlon Federation.

Tveiten knows there are no certainties about what will happen to Norway’s star duo when they step to full distance, admitting: “Both Gustav and Kristian is going into uncertain terrain here, so in many ways it’s difficult to say how it will go.

“They have chosen different races and different preparations leading up to their chosen races. For both it’s the right thing to do given where they are in their season. So both should be ready.”

Fine-tuning the knowledge

Tveiten gave an insight into how preparations are progressing, explaining: “In short we are working on pacing strategies, optimal aerodynamics and optimal nutrition for both athletes. Kristian is doing Cozumel since he wanted a race in hotter climate and gaining more experience there.

“But it’s not that we don’t know what to do, it’s about fine-tuning our knowledge so it will lead to success for both athletes in their Ironman debut.”

While there will be much to learn from events over the next six weeks, as ever the Norwegians will not line up without the mindset that they can claim top step on the podium.

Tveiten said: “For both it’s about having the best possible performance and try to learn as much as possible. But if you want to be a major player on the distance, you also need to be up there with the best and be prepared to beat them.”

California and Mexico are the first steps for Iden and Blummenfelt on a road which will lead them to the ultimate goals in 2022. Not one but two IRONMAN World Championships – in St George in May and Kona in October.

Tveiten says the rescheduling of the 2021 event, first to February 2022 and then May, will not adversely affect Gustav and Kristian.

“Not so much at all, and both athletes are motivated to do both the May World Championship in and also likely the “real” World Championship race in Kona next year. So much of their plans will be around that anyway.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
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
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
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...