Search
shop

Kristian Blummenfelt admits he was “expecting more” from WTCS Yokohama

Kristian Blummenfelt, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, did not have the race he wanted at his season opener at WTCS Yokohama.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

After a false start at WTCS Abu Dhabi, which was cancelled due to extreme weather, WTCS Yokohama gave us a first glimpse at the form of the top athletes in the world ahead of the Paris Olympics.

For reigning Olympic Champion Kristian Blummenfelt, who since his win three years ago in Tokyo has focused on the longer distance, an underwhelming season opener in Japan leaves more questions than answers.

Reflecting on his race, the Norwegian admitted that a 10th place finish was far from what he had hoped for, and after finishing more than half a minute down on the winner, it’s back to the drawing board before WTCS Cagliari next weekend.

Advertisement

“I was expecting more from the legs”

Just behind the leaders in the water, Blummenfelt bridged up in the early stages of the bike and stayed at the front, but couldn’t stick with the likes of Morgan Pearson and Australians Matt Hauser and Luke Willian on the run.

Kristian Blummenfelt Paris Test Event [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Wagner Araujo]
[Photo credit: World Triathlon / Wagner Araujo]

“Started off with a non-wetsuit swim, think I was +0:18 behind after the second lap, so that was okay, I’m happy with the swim.

“Early on I came into the first pack on the bike, settled in over the first 2-3 laps, tried to race smart and get through as easy as possible.

“I felt that the legs would be good and I was expecting to be ready for a run race, I was running on pace for the first 5km, but I was pushing a little too much and I lost contact with the group running for third after halfway.

“World Series Yokohama 10th place, I would have preferred to be further up, especially on the run, I was expecting more from the legs.” 

All eyes on Cagliari

Now heading to Sursee in Switzerland before the last Olympic distance race WTCS prior to Paris, Blummenfelt hopes he can finish further up in Italy.

“10th place and I was 41 seconds behind the winner in the end. Even though I was 41 seconds behind, I think some of the guys up front were involved and had to surge back up again, so I would have been even further behind if there hadn’t been a crash.

“I was expecting more, so now it is back again to Europe before heading to Cagliari. I will be on a training camp in Sursee and will hopefully do some more race pace work on the run.” 

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
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
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

Share to...