Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt produced a superhuman effort as he became the first-ever athlete to complete a sub-seven-hour iron distance triathlon; while Britain’s Kat Matthews also created history by becoming the first woman to go under eight hours.
Taking place on Sunday, June 5th, in Dresden, Germany, the Pho3nix Sub7 and Sub8 Project, powered by Zwift aimed to break through the sub 7 hours barrier (men) and sub 8 barrier (women). The challenge was organised by the Pho3nix Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports sports participation among young people.
28-year-old Kristian Blummenfelt capped a remarkable 12 months that has seen him crowned Olympic triathlon champion, claim World Triathlon Championship Series glory and win the IRONMAN World Championship at St George, Utah, in a record time of 7h 21m 12s.
Aiming to go under seven hours, Blummenfelt competed the ‘draft legal’ time challenge alongside three other elite athletes at the Sub7Sub8 event in Germany. The Norwegian finished in an astounding time of 6h 44m and 26s.
Also competing in Germany, British triathlete Joe Skipper was also able to complete the distance in under seven hours, finishing in a time of 6h 47m 37s.
Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig and Britain’s Kat Matthews were also looking to create history as they aimed to finish the iron distance triathlon in under eight hours. Both triathletes were successful in their attempt, with Matthews completing the distance in 7:31.54 and Spirig finishing in a time of 7:34:19.
Blummenfelt said “That was tough but we did it. It’s been two years of planning to put together a team. It’s so crucial to get a dialled in team and you saw they put together a great performance.
“I settled into a good pace and got the calories in, but it’s difficult because you are cramping after 10k because of the bike. I really felt the bike on that run but it’s been an amazing journey.”
