Kristian Blummenfelt quits professional cycling and focuses on triathlon
Norwegian triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt, Olympic champion and one of the most prominent figures in world triathlon, has once again changed his professional career by putting aside plans to compete in the Tour de Francia and stay true to triathlon.
Although at the beginning of the year he had stated that there was a 90% chance of becoming a professional cyclist by 2025, the situation has changed. The main reason: the financial attractiveness that elite triathlon currently offers.
Another change of plans
Over the past few months, the environment of Kristian Blummenfelt had been speculating about his possible jump to professional cycling.
His trainer, Olav Aleksander Bu, had stated that the probability of Blummenfelt competing in the Tour de Francia was very high, and many fans were excited about the possibility of seeing the Norwegian in the peloton. However, economic realities have proven to be a decisive factor.
According to tri247, Olva comments: “For months, both Kristian and I were considering the possibility of transitioning to cycling, but in the end, the financial attractiveness of triathlon was a determining factor.”
The difference between elite triathlon earnings and professional cycling earnings was key in the Olympic champion's decision. According to Bu, "the disadvantage of being the best triathlete in the world" became an obstacle to leaving triathlon.
The Economic Factor and the Rise of Triathlon
The growth of the Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) and the popularity of the super triathlon league have transformed triathlon into a more profitable sport than ever before. Blummenfelt, who was already at the top of his career, has benefited from this boom, and the decision to remain in triathlon has become much more attractive due to the financial support and increased economic opportunities.
Since winning the Gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Blummenfelt's value has increased exponentially.
With the recent confirmation that he will continue in triathlon, the Norwegian is preparing to face his next big challenges: the World Championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO in Kona, which will be held on October 26, and a possible participation in the Olympic Games of Los Angeles 2028.
“If Los Angeles becomes realistic, it will mean an earlier transition to shorter distance competitions,” he said. BuThis preparation will require a significant change from what has been the triathlete's routine in recent years.
Blummenfelt He is currently in a rehabilitation phase, as he will have to combine long and short distance competitions to achieve his goals.
The coach of Blummenfelt, Olav Aleksander Bu, was clear when talking about the challenges the athlete faces.
“Ten months of dedicated preparation for Paris was already a ‘mission impossible’, even before I returned to competition.
Now, if he does plan to compete in Los Angeles, we will have to make significant adjustments to ensure he can perform at his best,” Bu said.
Furthermore, Bu He highlighted the change that triathlon has undergone in terms of tactics, especially with the incorporation of “domestic” dedicated to elite athletes. “
Triathlon has become a team sport, less interesting from an individual point of view, but more strategic and collaborative,” Bu added.
