Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden have been two of the biggest stars of long-distance triathlon over the last couple of seasons, with the pair taking numerous PTO Tour and IRONMAN World Championship wins between them.
Despite shifting their focus to the Paris Olympic Games and short-course racing this year, the duo continue to push each other day in and day out under the guidance of coach Olav Aleksander Bu, with both Norwegians chasing gold in France next summer.
In an interview on Breakfast with Bob ahead of Super League Triathlon Malibu, Blummenfelt revealed the major benefits to their partnership and how the team-mates will continue to push each other as they go in search of more success.
“It keeps me on my toes”
Whilst Iden struggled to find his best form in 2023, with personal circumstances and injury causing unexpected challenges, Blummenfelt has enjoyed a solid season, which he credits in part to the continued presence of his countryman in training.
“It definitely helps you get that quality in training, because you sort of see that world-class level right next to you. If you are worried about how you will do in a race in a few weeks time, then you just have to see if you’re keeping up with Gustav [Iden] and if you are, then you know you will likely be fighting for the win.
“It gives you the confidence, that you can trust you’re doing the right thing, but it also keeps you on your toes and you learn from each other’s mistakes.”
Sharing the strategy
Blummenfelt added that the relationship has a number of benefits, with the pair not only being able to learn from each other’s mistakes in training and racing, but also being able to share the types of information that can lead to all important marginal gains.
“From his mistakes, I can learn and if he picks up any clever things, he can also inform me and we always try and share race beneficial information.”
After finishing seventh at the Super League Triathlon Championship Series in Malibu over the weekend, Blummenfelt is next set to race at the final event of the series, which will take place in Neom, Saudi Arabia on October 21.
