Search
shop

Kristian Blummenfelt reveals secret weapon as he puts focus on his weaknesses ahead of Paris 2024

Kristian Blummenfelt is using the SLT Championship Series to sharpen up ahead of Paris.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Kristian Blummenfelt returns to Super League Triathlon racing at the third round of this year’s series in Malibu after a year which has seen him take on all comers and all challenges.

The reigning Olympic champion has experienced a rollercoaster year with illness hampering his early season, an upset loss to Max Neumann in Ibiza and then another to Jan Frodeno in Milwaukee, before finally winning his first PTO Tour race in Singapore. But now his sights are set firmly on Paris next summer, and the defence of that Olympic title.

After finishing the 2023 WTCS at #9 in the final standings, the Norwegian superstar now has less than a year to sharpen his short-course tools for the big dance in France as he bids to become only the second athlete in history to successfully defend an Olympic title.

Advertisement

“Super League is all about my weaknesses”

In a wide-ranging interview with Bob Babbitt ahead of the race in Malibu, Blummenfelt explained why Super League Triathlon is so important to that Paris bid.

“Trying to come back to short distance, [Super League Triathlon] is the series you want to be a part of. If I have ambitions in Paris, Super League is all about my weaknesses. The swim is crucial, so are the transitions, the swim start, the technical aspect of the bike and these are all not my strengths.

Super League keeps ‘Big Blu’ on his toes

“Here, you need that top end and you need to be a lot sharper, so to put myself in a race like this is challenging and it keeps me on my toes. You want to have a race where you believe you have a chance to win, like a 20% chance, because if you have a 90% chance you are always on the defensive side.” 

Last time out in Toulouse, Blummenfelt – who is representing the Team Santara Tech Eagles – finished almost a minute behind race winner Léo Bergere. This weekend in Malibu, the Bergen native will require a near-perfect race to chase a first podium of the year.

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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...