Casper Stornes leads shock Norwegian podium sweep at WTS Bermuda

Well, who saw that one coming?

There are, apparently, around 7.6 billion people in the world. I’m pretty certain not one of those would have predicted an all Norwegian podium at today’s ITU World Triathlon Bermuda.

Not only did Casper Stornes shock everyone with victory, but joined by Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden, it was the first podium sweep in men’s ITU World Triathlon Series history. Remarkable.

The best previous result for Stornes was third place this year the Quarteira ETU Triathlon European. Making only his third WTS start (29th at Leeds, 33rd at Rotterdam last year), Stornes took off on the bike with more than 30km remaining, and would ride two minutes quicker than the bulk of the field.

Only his team mates, Blummenfelt and Iden, plus Andreas Schilling (DEN) would chase, leaving the 21 year old with well over a minute’s lead starting the run – with Mola, Murray and most of the pre-race favourites closer to two and a half minutes back. That was a serious lead.

Casper Stornes (NOR) is the pleasant surprise in this men's #WTSBermuda race, creating almost a two-minute gap between the field with the strongest contenders! Less than 10km to go until the run! Check in on https://t.co/y8dlHRYkwP pic.twitter.com/NlaLTAKxGF

— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) April 28, 2018

It looked like it might be more than enough – and it was. Stornes (32:51) held off Blummenfelt (31:55) and Iden (31:52), with Mario Mola producing the fastest run of the day – 31:19 – to take fourth. Mola now leads the World Triathlon Series, adding to second place in Abu Dhabi.

ITU racing too predictable? Apparently not.

History being made! Norway sweeps the #WTSBermuda as the first country to ever sweep a men’s WTS podium! Congrats to Casper Stornes, @kristianblu & Gustav Iden on the 🥇 🥈 🥉 🇳🇴 🇳🇴 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/dg8WidC1m2

— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) April 28, 2018

ITU World Triathlon Bermuda – Saturday 28th April 2018
1.5km / 40km / 10km

1st – Casper Stornes (NOR) – 1:54:47
2nd – Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) – 1:55:08
3rd – Gustav Iden (NOR) – 1:55:10
4th – Mario Mola (ESP) – 1:55:45
5th – Rodrigo Gonzalez (MEX) – 1:55:58
6th – Fernando Alarza (ESP) – 1:56:08
7th – Dorian Coninx (FRA) – 1:56:08
8th – Henri Schoeman (RSA) – 1:56:24
9th – Ryan Bailie (AUS) – 1:56:28
10th – Crisanto Grajales (MEX) – 1:56:29

And the new #WTS2018 Series leader is @mariomola after his silver medal in AbuDhabi and 4th place today in #WTSBermuda pic.twitter.com/JcGa4kPyYl

— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) April 28, 2018