Search
shop

Kristian Blummenfelt ruled out of WTCS opener in Abu Dhabi

It's been announced that the reigning Olympic - and 70.3 - champion will miss this week's first WTCS event due to illness
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Olympic champion Kristian Blummenfelt will miss the opening WTCS event of the season in Abu Dhabi this week due to illness.

The Norwegian has carried all before him after moving up to long-distance in an incredible 12 months since his Tokyo triumph in 2021.

He was crowned IRONMAN World Champion in St George last May and landed the 70.3 crown at the same location last October.

But the focus since then had been on moving back down in distance ahead of his Olympic defence in Paris next year.

Advertisement

Early setback for ‘Big Blu’

Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
Kristian Blummenfelt [Photo credit: PTO Canadian Open]

Both he and compatriot Gustav Iden, the record-breaking IMWC winner in Kona late last year, were scheduled to make their seasonal reappearances in Abu Dhabi but a World Triathlon press release confirmed Blummenfelt “misses out with illness.”

Iden is still part of a stacked startlist along with the two men who joined ‘Big Blu’ on the Tokyo podium – Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde.

Be sure to check out our full preview of Friday’s races.

The next WTCS event of the season doesn’t come until May – Yokohama on the 13th, which is in close proximity to Blummenfelt’s potential clash with Jan Frodeno at the PTO European Open in Ibiza on the 6th.

But writing on Instagram, Blummenfelt indicated he still intends to take on both, explaining: “Dropping out of the World Series race in Abu Dhabi this weekend after having lost too many days of training due to sickness in the build up. Taking the time to get ready for the races in May with the second and third round of the series + PTO Ibiza.”

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
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Lucy Charles Barclay T100 London celebrations 2025
T100 win confirms the numbers – and now Lucy Charles-Barclay sets sights on Kona and more
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Alex Yee sets stunning new PB for 5,000m at international meet in Belgium
Hayden Wilde finish line T100 London 2025
‘He’s a superfreak’ – Jan Frodeno hails INCREDIBLE Hayden Wilde comeback
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 London men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde wins in one of the GREATEST EVER sporting comebacks
Lucy Charles Barclay wins T100 London 2025
T100 London women’s results 2025: FAIRYTALE win for Lucy Charles-Barclay in front of home fans
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...