Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden will not be competing at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand
The two Norwegians, IRONMAN 70.3 world champions, will not compete in this year's race in Taupo.
So much Kristian Blummenfelt as Gustav Iden, two of the most recognized triathletes worldwide and winners of the World Championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO 70.3 in 2021 and 2022 respectively, have decided to end their seasons early following their participation in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
An early end to a demanding season
Both athletes faced a difficult test in Kona, where the results were far from what was expected.
Blummenfelt, affectionately known as “Big Blu,” crossed the finish line in 35th place after experiencing several episodes of vomiting during the cycling segment.
For its part, Iden Iden had to drop out during the run. “I really tried my best to finish, but I had to sit down on the Queen K and I was never able to get back up,” Iden said, reflecting on the extreme exhaustion she suffered during the event.
This edition in Kona turned out to be one of the toughest for both Norwegians, a stark contrast to their heroic performances in previous years.
Recall that Blummenfelt was crowned champion in the rescheduled 2021 version in St. George, while Iden set a record for the test in Kona in 2022.
Although both had the opportunity to close 2024 with a victory in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship In Taupo, they have decided not to make the trip to New Zealand and instead rest and prepare for what the 2025 season will bring.
The reasoning behind the decision
In a recent interview with TRI247, the coach of both, Olav Aleksander Bu, shared the reasons for the triathletes' decision to skip the event in New Zealand.
“I asked them if it made sense to leave Kona – or at least the United States – and fly back to Europe and then travel to New Zealand in that short period of time,” he explained. Bu.
He added that “there is an 11-hour time difference between Kona and Norway, and a 12-hour time difference between Norway and New Zealand.
“Basically, these are the two most extreme locations a Norwegian could compete in, and if you really want to be 100% ready for the 70.3 World Championships and invest in it, it would make sense to go there straight after Kona. They both decided no, that they preferred to take a break from the season.”
With the break already underway, Blummenfelt e Iden They have started to think about less competitive activities, such as mountain biking and some lower-intensity races, he said. Bu“I hope you can relax and enjoy this well-deserved break,” he added.
A championship with several absences
They won't be the only big names missing from the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo this year.
Particularly in the men's category, other athletes have also decided not to participate, as the length of the trip and the fact that the competition takes place so late in the year have been determining factors in them opting to end the season early.
