IRONMAN New Zealand 2026: Blummenfelt analyzes rivals and schedule
Norwegian triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt arrive at HOMBRE DE HIERRO New Zealand 2026 after completing a training block in Lanzarote and analyzes its rivals, the new drafting rule and its middle-distance schedule.
The start of the season for Kristian Blummenfelt It is just around the corner.
The Olympic champion and one of the biggest names in international triathlon will make his debut this weekend in the IRONMAN New Zealand, a test that opens its 2026 calendar after several weeks of concentration in Lanzarote.
From there, the Norwegian has been sharing his feelings in his latest video before traveling to Taupō.
The message is clear: he arrives with a lot of work in his legs, especially on the bike, and curious to see how the new drafting regulations will affect the Ironman distance.
A tough training camp in Lanzarote before competing
The training block in the Canary Islands has been demanding. For three weeks, Blummenfelt It has accumulated a lot of volume in Lanzarote, an island closely linked to triathlon and home to the Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote, one of the toughest tests on the circuit.
On one of the last days of the camp, he completed two consecutive days of heavy training with 150 km and 160 km of cycling, something that left, in her own words, "her legs a little smoky".
The closing of the block included a demanding track session with 4 sets of 4 kilometers at a rate close to 3:50/km, ending with splits of 12:52, 12:52, 12:41 and 12:26.
In total, about 21 kilometer run, before finishing the day with a one-hour swimming session based on 40 series of 100 meters.
The idea behind the training was clear: finish the camp by fine-tuning the rhythm and then begin the recovery process before traveling to New Zealand.
The new drafting rule could change the race
One of the aspects that most interests the Norwegian is the change in drafting regulations in IRONMAN events, where the minimum distance between triathletes is extended to 20 meters.
To BlummenfeltThis modification may alter the usual development of long-distance races.
The Norwegian triathlete acknowledges that the new rule could create a different dynamic in the cycling segment, forcing athletes to manage their effort more individually. For this reason, much of his recent training has focused on improving his performance on the bike.
Rivals to watch at IRONMAN New Zealand
In Taupō, Blummenfelt He starts as one of the big favorites, although he himself identifies several names to watch in the race.
The French Pierré Le Corre He appears to be one of the most dangerous rivals if he manages to stay with the leading group during the cycling segment. The German rider is also mentioned. Frederic Funk, who could try to break away from the race on the bicycle.
Another name he mentions is Ben hamilton, an unknown quantity within the start list but with the ability to influence the development of the test.
The Norwegian himself believes the race will be "interesting" from a tactical point of view, especially with the new regulations and with a group of professionals that is not excessively large.
Blummenfelt's schedule: middle distance and trips around the world
IRONMAN New Zealand will be just the first stop on a pretty busy schedule for BlummenfeltThis was already suspected when the Norwegian's season plans were revealed at the beginning of the year. Gustav Iden for the IRONMAN 2026 calendar.
The Norwegian has also confirmed his participation in IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong, which will be held two weeks later in Australia.
From there he will travel to the United States to compete in IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, a test that became complicated for him last year after suffering a puncture in his bicycle.
This time he's coming prepared: the athlete himself jokingly commented that he'll be carrying "plenty of tubeless sealant and several repair kits" to avoid repeating that problem.
Their next big goal will be IRONMAN Texaswhere he hopes to fight for victory again and repeat the classic image of the winner raising his cowboy hat at the finish line of The Woodlands.
Marius Bjerkeset, the new name of the “Norwegian train”
During the video, another name also emerged that could start to make waves in international triathlon: Marius Bjerkeset.
The 28-year-old Norwegian recently qualified for the IRONMAN Kona World Championship after finishing second in the IRONMAN Switzerland, a race in which he particularly excelled in the cycling segment.
According to Blummenfelt, his compatriot could become a very important athlete to watch in the coming years.
At the Lanzarote camp, the Olympic champion himself admits that he arrived thinking he could dominate some cycling sessions, but ended up surprised by Bjerkeset's level.
The plan is for the Norwegian to also make his debut in major events on the circuit, including IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideWhere Blummenfelt He believes his combination of solid swimming and great power on the bike can change the usual development of the race.
Optimism before the start of the season
After completing the training block in the Canary Islands, Blummenfelt He is satisfied with the work done.
The conditions in Lanzarote, with temperatures close to 20 degrees and many hours of sunshine, have allowed him to accumulate more training hours than in his hometown of Bergen at this time of year.
With the trip to New Zealand already underway and several days of transition to recover from the journey, the Norwegian faces the start of his 2026 Ironman distance season with optimism.
