by Kristian Blummenfelt may not start a career in professional cycling, but his coach Olav Aleksander Bu will.
Shortly before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bu announced that there was a “90 percent chance” for Blummenfelt to move into the professional peloton starting next year, with the Tour de France the ultimate goal. But recently that plan was scrapped, and Bu told TRI247 that the money put a damper on that work.
However, today (Wednesday) we received the announcement that Bu himself WILL will be heavily involved in professional cycling from 2025 after being confirmed as head coach of Norwegian team Uno-X Mobility, effective November 1st.
General manager Thor Hushovd confirmed the signing to Norwegian media channel TV 2, revealing: “The idea is that he comes in with new and fresh eyes and sees what can be done differently.” He has a different kind of experience and is extremely smart guy.”
Bu is excited about the new role
Bu, 43, is excited about his new role and admits: “When Thor called and asked if I could think of a role in the team, it was very nice.
“Not many years ago it would have been unthinkable to have a Norwegian professional team, but it is very positive for the sport that we have it now and that the owners are thinking long-term.”
Hushovd admitted that reading and hearing about Bu’s incredible work with Blummenfelt and fellow Norwegian superstar Gustav Iden piqued his interest in signing the esteemed coach.
“The idea came about when I read about the triathlon project and heard how much he can do and how passionate he is. About endurance, new forms of training, new training techniques… We in cycling also have to be careful that we don’t find ourselves too much in our own “cycling bubble”.
“We hope this encourages the coaches and drivers, and we also hope they feel a little proud of being able to work with a person with such great skills.”
What does it mean for Blummenfelt and Iden?
The only big triathlon question concerns Blummenfelt and Iden and what it means for them from 2025. And the good news is that he will reportedly continue to train her.
Of course, there’s already a blueprint here – triathlon coaching genius Dan Lorang is Head of Performance/Head Coach for the professional cycling team Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe and manages the swimming/cycling/running career of Lucy Charles-Barclay. Anne Haug and Taylor Knibb.
Bu is currently preparing Blummenfelt and Iden for the upcoming IRONMAN World Championship, taking place on Saturday (October 26) in Kona, Hawaii.
