Search
shop

Kristian Blummenfelt reflects on a frustrating day in his Dubai debrief

Norwegian star provides details on his disappointment in Dubai
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Very little went right for Olympic Champion Kristian Blummenfelt at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai – it was as he admitted “a crappy day from start to finish”.

The 28-year-old Norwegian superstar carried all before him in the second half of 2021 – an incredible run of performances highlighted by gold in Tokyo, a WTCS title and then the fastest time ever in an Ironman race.

No wonder then that ‘Big Blu’ started favourite for his seasonal debut in the Middle East on Saturday. Saying things did not go to plan though would be an understatement.

Blummenfelt on Dubai

He eventually finished 10th, some 23 minutes behind race winner – Belgium’s Marten Van Riel. Just the stats don’t tell the whole story though as things started badly and then got worse. A poor start in the swim then and a mechanical on the bike spelled disaster.

Kristian told us: “Just a crappy day from start to finish. I stumbled over in the swim start and came out last. Wasn’t able to get onto the feet of those five in the breakaway in the water.”

If Blummenfelt was now up against it in his battle to bet back into the race, further misfortune on the bike would finish his hopes of getting near to the podium battle.

Mechanical misery

“I rode quite hard and good power first 45k, but still lost another 2+min to the front. Then I had a puncture after 60k, but was too far away from the front to fight for the win at this point.”

The big early-season target for Blummenfelt of course is that eagerly-awaited and delayed 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in St George on May 7.

Then the Norwegian will attempt to go Sub7 along with Britain’s Alistair Brownlee in early June, before again targeting IRONMAN World Championship glory at Kona in October.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
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
Sam Laidlow bike IRONMAN Leeds 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Laidlow validates Nice spot in perfect style with another win
Paula Findlay wins IRONMAN Boise 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Boise results 2025: Findlay and Appleton the Idaho stars
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 men’s results: Stunning triathlon return from Olympic champ Alex Yee
Jolien Vermeylen wins Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 women’s results: Jolien Vermeylen stuns big guns for famous DEBUT win
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Toronto 2025 as Brownlee Racing make a PERFECT start
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...