Blummenfelt’s bold 2028 Tour dream: "Thought the laws of physics didn't apply to me"

Many athletes have proclaimed their desire to excel in cycling, but Blummenfelt, a 30-year-old from Norway, might be a special case. He is considered the benchmark in the triathlon world and is coached by the renowned Olav Aleksander Bu.

Blummenfelt is the reigning Olympic triathlon champion and holds the record for the grueling Iron Man. He is also the man to beat at the Paris Olympics — the triathlon segment there was recently moved due to the long-standing issue concerning the dirty water of the Seine. Afterward, the Norwegian plans to shift his focus to cycling, together with his coach.

In an interview with Norwegian TV2, Bu elaborated on the decision. "We’re not going into cycling to retire but to make a difference. We aim to ride the Tour de France in 2026. By 2027, we should be capable of winning stages. Otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve something magical in 2028. In 2027, we will test ourselves, aiming for the yellow jersey a year later."

Blummenfelt is reportedly blessed with exceptional physical abilities. His VO2 Max (a measure of the volume of oxygen his body can utilize) is said to be 103 mL/kg/min, higher than that of Jonas Vingegaard or Tadej Pogacar, and the best test results ever recorded. However, Bu, careful not to get ahead of himself, remains sober. "We will probably need a few years to figure out what needs to change," he says, referring to his protégé, who has yet to sign an official contract for 2025.

The 30-year-old Norwegian, supported by Red Bull in his current sport, addressed his dedication during a podcast hosted by his big-name sponsor. "I thought the laws of physics didn't apply to me, but I don’t even need that thought. I can always endure the pain well, so I can handle it better. But I also understand the data Olav shows me. If I can combine my physical abilities with his data and knowledge, we can achieve great things."

But why then does he want to make that switch to cycling? It could just be because he says he enjoys cracking an opponent. "I get more drive from that than from breaking a record in the lab. Of course, breaking lab records can also break others, but the moment you’re fighting with a rival and see them snap like a rubber band, that makes me feel truly unbeatable."

"We’re going into cycling because we believe there is a chance to make a difference there," Bu adds. "We feel that our research, development, technology and approach will be welcomed with open arms by some teams that genuinely want and understand the need for a further boost."

The cycling world is responding with mixed reactions. Thor Hushovd, team manager of the Norwegian Uno-X, raised his eyebrows at Blummenfelt's 2028 Tour goal. "There’s no doubt he is physically unique, but I think it will be difficult. You’re competing against riders who have been cycling since they were young. But I hope I’m wrong," he told TV2.

Victor Campenaerts, like Movistar rider Javier Romo, is a former triathlete and knows Blummenfelt and his coach Bu well. He spoke with Het Nieuwsblad about the impending switch to cycling. "I believe in it. Mentally, they have no equals. If you think I’m a fanatic… Well, I can guarantee that I don’t even come close to them," says the Belgian, who is moving to Visma | Lease a Bike.

Campenaerts plans to follow the project closely. "I’ve talked to many athletes and coaches, but I’ve never met anyone like them. Bu also says that only two athletes can handle what he asks. To give an example: Blummenfelt and Iden (another famous triathlete, ed.) recently got girlfriends. That’s okay, but they can't forget their priorities."

The Lotto-Dstny rider made another sharp statement. "I know they were in talks with a team that was willing to go pretty far in their story. But when they heard that the management of that team believed riders deserved a week off and a few beers after a Tour de France, they backed out. They didn’t think it was the right match. So, whichever team it ends up being, they will have to be fully committed to the story," he says about the team Blummenfelt will eventually join.

The final word goes to Blummenfelt himself, for whom the impossible does not exist. "The fact that people think I can’t do it triggers me to show them that it can be done." To be continued...