Kristian Blummenfelt has warned he and his Norwegian compatriots are aiming to add to their World Triathlon Series Bermuda medal haul.

Blummenfelt was part of the first-ever podium sweep in a men’s series race, finishing second as Casper Stornes clinched victory in the inaugural WTS Bermuda in 2018, with Gustav Iden third, before the latter returned to the podium a year later, again winning bronze, behind France’s Dorian Coninx and Spanish legend Javier Gomez.

Having taken four out of the six medals on offer from the race, the Olympic champion has set his sights on the possibility of further adding to that tally with Iden and Vetle Bergsvik Thorn joining him on the start line.

“The dream is for all of us to get on the podium this weekend,” he said. “We have won four out the six medals in the male field from this race and so of course we would like to get back on the podium.

“I just hope I can have a strong swim, be right up there for the bike and maybe take down the run in the end.”

Despite being one of the sport’s most dominant forces and always considered a contender over any distance, Blummenfelt has cast doubt over his credentials to clinch victory tomorrow, on the back of a gruelling effort to be crowned Ironman 70.3 world champion St George, Utah, last week.

“It’s hard to come from long-distance races and then have to find some leg speed for a shorter race,” added Blummenfelt, who became just the second male to crowned Olympic [2021], Ironman [2021] and Ironman 70.3 world champion, after his latest triumph.

“It could be too early for me after a big focus on the Ironman World Championships [in which he finished third] and the 70.3 World Championships last month.

“I was looking at this race as sort of a comeback to see where I’m at compared to the other guys.

“Obviously, Alex Yee [Great Britain] has been really strong all season and even last year I barely managed to take him down in Tokyo [Olympic Games], so I know the level is going to be really high at the weekend. I want to see where I’m at ahead of the grand final [WTCS Abu Dhabi] in a few weeks’ time.

“Switching from the different distances is about knowing what is required for each race. “However, I feel like I’ve come here with a lack of those speed-type training sessions, but I still hope I have a chance to be in the mix.”

While it remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old will be capable of a repeat performance so soon after his last outing, Blummenfelt is well aware of the added incentive of a strong showing, with crucial Olympic qualification points on offer until May 2024.

“My next focus and dream will be to get to Paris and defend my Olympic title,” he added. “It will be important to have a decent ranking going into Paris, so I want to squeeze in enough good results from now. Hopefully, I can start that this week and then in Abu Dhabi.

“Next year it will be a case of getting some more World Cup races in and going from there.”

The elite men’s race begins at 11am.