The Red Bull effect: German triathlon phenom says he can become the ‘best in the world’

It has certainly been a noteworthy few weeks for German starlet Mika Noodt.

In December, the hugely talented 24-year-old officially became triathlon’s latest Red Bull athlete, fittingly announced by the brand’s legendary flag bearer Sebastian Kienle.

Then on Friday, it was confirmed that the German triathlon prodigy would be a contracted member of the T100 Triathlon World Tour in 2025.

And last season’s IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See victor believes the additional support provided by his new sponsor could lead him to become one of the sports premier stars.

“Best in the world”

Speaking to TRI247, the current PTO World #6 described the chance to work with Red Bull as a “gamechanger”.

“It is a massive pleasure for me to be part of the Red Bull family,” Noodt told us.

“We knew from quite early on that Sebastian Kienle was going to retire after last year. My agent looked into it – he actually asked me when we met who would be my ideal sponsor and I said it would be Red Bull.

“The potential they see in myself. I think it’s a big part for them because their goal is to help get athletes to the top instead of just investing in those already at the top.

They believe I can become one of the best, or the best, and I believe that myself.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a gamechanger for me, because I really do invest in my health. I really believe they can support me – I see them as a more than just a normal sponsor.

“They offer so much more for me – I can work with nutritionists, psychologists, mechanics. I really plan to make good use of this, because I believe they have the contacts to some of the best in their fields. I expect a lot from them and I see it as a great opportunity.”

Injury issues

Noodt broke onto the middle-distance radar back in 2021 – winning IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables D’Olonne on his debut before earning an 11th-place finish at the 70.3 World Championships. A stunning display at Challenge Mogan-Gran Canaria in 2022 showcased his credentials again, but injuries during the past two years have since limited his chances to shine.

In May 2022, Mika missed time after suffering inflammation to his hip and pelvis area and just under 12 months later he was involved in a bike crash and broke his fibula.

However, the T100 star believes the trials and tribulations he has faced over the past 24 months could set him up for success going forward.

“It wasn’t the easiest time, but right now I am feeling very good. I’m starting to get more and more confidence back into my body. Only the first injury was a proper ultra-use injury, all the others were just bad luck.

“My first injury in 2022 was the first proper injury of my career – it was very tough and a learning experience. Then, in terms of the bike crash, I have got over it mentally. I’m not scared of traffic anymore.

“Even though it was s**t that all that happened, on the flip side I have to say I’ve had these experiences so early in my career. I am very sensitive and grateful for my health and I now invest a lot into staying healthy.

“There is a great medical team around me – this definitely helps and gives me more confidence.”

T100 the focus for 2025

Now healthy and raring to go, Noodt is one of 20 contracted male athletes ready to take on the T100 Triathlon World Tour this term.

The Red Bull athlete finished in the top six of all three of his T100 appearances in 2024. He claimed sixth in Singapore, fifth in San Francisco and third in Ibiza.

“The professional highlight was the race in Ibiza, I think it was my best performance,” he says. “The T100 races themselves were super hard, but that is what I am looking for.

“It’s what gets me going in training every day and I am 100% convinced that this year is going to be no different. It is going to be more competitive, so yeah, it keeps me on my toes and I am looking forward to the racing.”

The German talent also praised the professional setup of the PTO’s flagship triathlon series and the chance to network with fellow competitors.

“Outside of the races themselves, the support at the locations is really great. It felt so professional, they sort everything out for you and this makes the trip and experience more enjoyable.

“I also enjoy meeting all the same athletes each race. You can develop friendships instead of the small talk one or two hours before a race. That’s something I’m looking forward to this year.”

Ultimately though, the PTO World #6 is keen to demonstrate his abilities on the race course. Targeting a number of top-three finishes in the T100 this term, he rounded off our interview by adding: “I am after race results and I am looking forward to having a consistently good season in T100. Hopefully I can secure plenty of podiums.”