BLUMMENFELT SCORES BERGEN WORLD CUP PODIUM ON NEW PROPEL!
Posted by Eric Roque on
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022
Current Ironman World Champion Kristian Blummenfelt debuted his new Propel Advanced SL race bike at the 2022 World Triathlon Cup Bergen in Norway, posting the fastest bike split among the pro men on his way to a thrilling second-place finish in the sprint-distance event.
Blummenfelt put on an impressive display for the hometown crowd, which turned out in force with over 20,000 fans lining the streets of Bergen to cheer on their favorites from Norway. Though his main focus right now is preparing to defend his Ironman World Championship in Kona in October, the Norwegian superstar is no stranger to shorter distance triathlons. In addition to his Ironman accolades, Blummenfelt is also the current Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo and 2021 World Triathlon Championship Series winner.
Facing a stacked field in the pro men’s race, Blummenfelt had his work cut out for him, but he showed his speed and power from the start. He finished the short 750m swim about 20 seconds behind early leader Nicolò Strada of Italy. From there, hopping onto his new Propel Advanced SL road bike, Blummenfelt immediately began making up ground, and soon caught the lead group.
Unveiled at the Tour de France earlier this summer, where it was ridden to two stage wins by Team BikeExchange-Jayco road pros, the new Propel is even more aerodynamic than the previous generation while also being significantly lighter and more efficient on the road. Blummenfelt’s bike was built up with the new CADEX 50 Ultra WheelSystem and CADEX Aero tires, further boosting its aero efficiency and speed.
Powered by his new bike, which features custom graphics to celebrate Blummenfelt’s recent breakthrough wins including his Olympic gold medal, Ironman World Championship and World Triathlon Championship, the Norwegian went on to post the fastest split (31 minutes flat) on the 20.8km bike leg. Feeling comfortable on his home streets, which challenged riders with cobblestone sections and technical corners, Blummenfelt went straight to the front and drove the lead group of 12. They held a gap of 45 seconds on the first chase group through the second transition.
The lead group was whittled down on the 5km run until it was just Blummenfelt and Frenchman Dorian Coninx battling for the win on the final climb. Coninx found and extra gear on the final uphill to the blue carpet finishing stretch and was able to edge out the Norwegian in a thrilling sprint to the line.
“I know that I have been doing mostly long distance races this year, but I have been preparing for Bergen all year long,” said Blummenfelt, who wore the Giant Pursuit helmet on the bike leg. “I am just extremely happy to be able to do it at home in front of so many people. It was incredible.”
Also representing Giant in Bergen was Blummenfelt’s fellow Norwegian and Giant-sponsored triathlete Gustav Iden, who rode his own custom-painted Propel Advanced SL to a solid 15th place finish.
For more on the new Propel aero road bike range, including all the technical details, click here.
Source:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/global/news/blummenfelt-scores-bergen-world-cup-podium-on-new-propel/27158