Gustav Iden knows he faces an uphill battle in the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, and he is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to return to triathlon’s absolute elite.
Two years ago on the ‘Big Island’, the 28-year-old superstar from Bergen, Norway dominated to claim the biggest prize in the sport, beating compatriot and team-mate Kristian Blummenfelt among others in the process.
Since then Gustav has endured pain on and off the course, with the death of his mother and an Achilles injury which eventually ruined his 2023 campaign.
Gustav on the way back to elite levels
Now Iden is gradually building back up to elite levels again, and claimed his first victory since 2022 at Challenge Turku in July. He followed that up with a second behind Blummenfelt at Challenge Samarkand in September.
Now comes the biggest test of all – Iden’s first race at the full distance since that epic day in Kona in 2022. And while the odds are very much against him claiming victory once more, he is trying everything to gain an edge.
One of those things is an insane new TT position for the bike leg, which eagle-eyed fellow pros, coaches and fans spotted in an Instagram video shot from camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.
You can check out the new ‘Superman’ position for yourself by clicking here, and it is fair to say it drew quite the response. Some seasoned observers likened the new position to cycling greats Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman.
Iden TT position wows pros and fans
American star Sam Long told Iden “the longest body in triathlon” while another comment exclaimed: “That TT position is wild, looks aero AF though if you can hold it!”
Iden’s position on the TT bike appeared so radical, some fans even thought Gustav was trolling them, but apparently it is for real.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet NRK, Gustav said: “There are many who think I am trolling them. It’s kind of funny that people think I put so much into the mental game that I change my sitting position just to take a video on Instagram.
“I have received messages from some of my competitors asking about the position. ‘How much faster is it actually?’. I don’t want to answer actual numbers yet. I’m happy to provoke a bit online, so I’ve somehow achieved what I’ve been looking for.”
Is new position uncomfortable?
While the position may well bring Iden aero gains in Hawaii on October 26, it does look pretty uncomfortable when you consider he will have to hold it for around four hours. Gustav does not appear to believe this is a concern.
“I use very little strength in my stomach, back and shoulders and so on. The only thing I have to do is just stay on the board.”
After everything Gustav has been through in the last 18 months, it is terrific to see him back in truly elite competition. And now we have another reason to watch his progress closely in Kona. Time to get the popcorn ready…
