Red Bull and Kienle announce signing of German triathlon prodigy as Santa Sebi gives out wings

It was the perfect early Christmas present for German triathlon prodigy Mika Noodt, and it would be an understatement to say that Santa delivered.

The talented 24-year-old is now officially triathlon’s latest Red Bull athlete, joining the likes of Lucy Charles-Barclay, Kristian Blummenfelt, Hayden Wilde and co. Truly elite company.

To make things even better, Noodt had the news confirmed by none other than this tri idol and long-time Red Bull flag bearer Sebastian Kienle, former IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. Sebi even dressed as Santa for the occasion to surprise his young compatriot!

Noodt on Red Bull honour

Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Mika admitted: “WOW, Santa came early this year with the best gift I could dream of. I’m beyond proud to officially join the @redbull family as a Red Bull athlete!!! 🔥

“Having this honor handed over by @sebastiankienle-my hero and inspiration when I first started triathlon-was a truly surreal moment that I’ll remember forever. Thank you for making it so special!

“This dream-come-true opportunity to represent Red Bull means everything to me. I’m so grateful for the wings to take my journey to the next level!”

Mika Noodt results

Noodt has displayed tantalising potential in his relatively short time as a pro since really bursting onto the scene in 2021, despite that time being hampered by injuries.

His 2023 season was derailed early by a bike crash in April which resulted in a broken fibula. He was unable to race until the PTO Asian Open in Singapore.

2024 showed more promise with sixth and fifth at T100 Singapore and San Francisco respectively, before Mika claimed victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See. Then came a podium at T100 Ibiza – his standout result of the season.

Hopes of a big finish to the year though were scuppered by nasty hip and shoulder injuries sustained when he was ‘taken down by a car’ during altitude training in Flagstaff. That saw him miss T100 Lake Las Vegas and T100 Dubai.