Kristian Blummenfelt fine-tunes his weapon for Nice with a 9,6 watt gain
In his millimetric preparation for the World Championship HOMBRE DE HIERRO 2025 Kristian Blummenfelt has once again demonstrated why he is one of the most detail-obsessed triathletes.
The Olympic and world champion has completed a block of work in the world's longest cycle tunnel, achieving a real improvement of 9,6 watts thanks to his new Surpas suit and Giant Rivet MIPS helmet.
An underground laboratory to polish every watt
For three intense days in the Fyllingsdalstunnelen From Bergen, the Norwegian transformed this 2,9 km tunnel into an aerodynamics testing ground.
Together with the engineers of Surpass, responsible for the design of their competition suit, and with the support of the biomechanical Sam Barley, Blummenfelt tested suit and helmet configurations with real-time analysis technology such as Body Rocket and body temperature sensors CORE.
Each test consisted of 2-km round trips with only one variable modified per run: helmet or suit. The goal was to accurately quantify the impact of each change on the aerodynamic coefficient (CdA).
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The new Giant Rivet MIPS helmet: 3,6 watts less resistance
One of the most relevant findings was the comparison between the previous helmet (model R4) and the new one. Giant Rivet MIPS.
The previous model generated an extra resistance of 3,6 watts, a difference sufficient to fully justify the equipment upgrade. With the data validation in hand, Blummenfelt has already defined its helmet for Nice.
The Surpas R3 suit reduces aerodynamic drag by 6 watts
In the textile section, the suit Surpas R3 also provided a significant advantage. Compared to previous versions, the new structure and its integration with the Norwegian's aggressive stance managed to reduce 6 watts in aerodynamic resistance.
Thermal testing using CORE sensors also confirmed their effectiveness in hot conditions, a key factor considering the Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera in September.
Other prototypes with aerodynamic strips (models R6-R10) did not outperform the R3 and, in some cases, even worsened performance, so they were discarded.
Overall result: 9,6 watts of net improvement
In total, the combination of the new helmet and the optimized suit added 9,6 watts of net gain, a figure that, although it may seem small, represents a tangible improvement in long-distance events where every second counts.
With this work, Blummenfelt refines his preparation for Nice 2025 With objective data and decisions already made regarding his equipment, the battle for the world title is getting closer, and the Norwegian arrives with more knowledge, less uncertainty, and plenty of watts to his name.
Blummenfelt, 2021 IRONMAN World Champion and always a candidate
Kristian Blummenfelt You already know what it's like to win the IRONMAN World Championship. He did it in St. George 2021, with an impressive time of 7:49:16 in his debut.
Now, after a season with a total focus on the Full distance, he will seek to regain the crown he won in 2023. Sam Laidlow in Nice
With his new weapons tuned, everything points to the “Bergen Bull” will be back in the big fight this September.
