Olympic champion meets legend: Kristian Blummenfelt to compete in DATEV Challenge Roth for the first time

February 24, 2026

Exceptional Norwegian athlete comes to the Home of Triathlon to win

ROTH. (February 24, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ –  He is one of the most spectacular names on the start line of DATEV Challenge Roth 2026: none other than Kristian Blummenfelt will compete in the Home of Triathlon for the first time on July 5, 2026. The Olympic champion, Ironman world champion, and one of the most influential endurance athletes of our time will enrich the top field in Roth and has made it clear that he has come to compete at the very top.

“I’m here to win”

The 32-year-old endurance phenomenon looks forward to his start in Franconia with great respect, but also with an unmistakable goal: “I’m here to win, but I know it’s going to be a hard-fought battle!”

Blummenfelt has been one of the dominant figures in international triathlon for years. Olympic gold in Tokyo, world championship titles in short, middle, and long distance, victories in the world’s biggest races; the Norwegian has achieved almost everything this sport has to offer. Now he is aiming for a victory in Roth, the one trophy still missing from his collection.

“Maybe the most special race”

In addition to the sporting challenge, it is the special atmosphere that has fascinated the Norwegian for years. Roth is considered a legend among professionals and fans alike, and a place that must be experienced.

“It’s maybe the most special race we have in the sport. I’ve always wanted to compete at Challenge Roth, so I can’t wait to race. Riding up Solar Hill and running into the finish line stadium is going to be an amazing experience.”

Race director Felix Walchshöfer also cannot hide his enthusiasm: “This is going to be awesome! We are very proud that Kristian has decided to compete in Roth. This is an absolute honour for the Roth triathlon region. I am sure that the entire district will once again live up to its name as the ‘Home of Triathlon’.

In addition to his successes, Blummenfelt is currently causing a stir with an impressive physiological measurement that proves the Norwegian’s enormous endurance. In a professional laboratory test, he achieved a VO₂ max value of 101.1 ml/kg/min, which according to reports is potentially the highest value ever measured under controlled conditions and a measure of his enormous performance capacity, which makes him one of the absolute favourites for the title in Roth.