The crew, from left to right: Marcel Hilger, Nick Staggenborg, Kristian Blummenfelt, Alexander Siegmund, Gustav Iden
A trip to Bergen and back: Our journey to visit Gustav Iden and Kristian Blumenfelt
The three of us flew to Norway on January 2nd. We are Alex Siegmund, Nick Staggenborg (video genius and one half of the Triathlon Crew Cologne), and Marcel Hilger (gifted photographer and friend). With these two guys, I was sure we'd not only produce sensationally good photos and videos with our two new athletes, but also have a fantastic time. That's important when working, too. A happy team is a good team!
Nick flew to Hamburg early in the morning, where I met him and finalized the last details of the shoot. However, there were still many things we didn't know for sure. We only knew that the guys would be available for video recording that afternoon at short notice. We didn't have a location in mind, but we did have clear ideas about the content and atmosphere.
Until then, we only knew Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt from television broadcasts, interviews, or, in my case, through written correspondence. We had never met the two Norwegians in person. Accordingly, our curiosity was immense, and we packed camera equipment and a pile of still-secret socks.
Damn rental cars and expensive baguettes
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
Arriving in Bergen, we were initially quite disappointed. Firstly, Nick was sweating over converting the money into Norwegian kroner. Secondly, I was overwhelmed because I couldn't pay the deposit for the rental car with a total of three credit cards. Welcome to currency and PIN chaos. You can see some impressions of this in the Triathlon Crew Cologne vlog starting at 8:50.
A new rental car was needed. Quickly! A quick wrong turn and we arrived at the ADO Arena parking garage a charming 45 minutes late. A really good first impression, Siegmund...! I was already impressed that the guys were still there at all. It became clear to me that we'd struck gold with Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt when they both greeted us with the utmost composure and patience. Not a trace of nerves or bad mood.
The second impression: even better than expected!
From the very beginning, we – and I think I speak for everyone here – felt comfortable and got along well. Gustav, the newly crowned world champion, who wears personalized shoes with Asian characters, is refreshingly open and has a really good sense of humor. Not a hint of star attitude.
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
Kristian has been among the world's elite for quite some time. With Red Bull and other major sponsors, he's been backed by him for years and is used to the media attention surrounding him. In comparison, he's the quieter of the two, extremely polite, and has a great sense of humor. You don't get the feeling that you're standing in front of a global superstar of his sport for whom such appointments are a tiresome obligation.
Interviews completed, Marcel is on his way.
After almost 90 minutes, we had a lot of video footage in the can. Interviews, sound bites, and the new INCYLENCE athlete signature move ("I am a hunter!"). Besides plenty of exciting material, there were also a few outtakes. But we had a lot of fun.
Late in the evening, we picked Marcel up from the airport – not without the obligatory McFlurry stop, of course. Shortly after midnight, the three of us were back at the apartment, which was located high up on a mountain. A quick strategy meeting, finalized the schedule, and set the alarms for 6:15 a.m.
Action in the pool
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
The next day, we met up with the Norwegians again at the ADO Arena shortly before eight. The morning swim training session with a group of about 10 athletes was on the agenda. We were allowed to watch, film, and gather impressions. The plan was to swim five kilometers, consisting of 39 x 50 meters at VO2max intensity. The start time was 45 seconds in the long course pool. Enjoy watching the swim...
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
After that, we took some posed photos and then laced up our running shoes – well, the guys did, not us. Gustav and Kristian had a 60-minute easy run planned. They clocked up their meters around a lake, giving us the opportunity to take more cool pictures and videos.
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
The weather kept changing. Light rain alternated with sunshine and dense cloud cover. So, a quick shower, bundled up, and off to the location? Not with these two in mind! They pointed us to a scenic spot about a 10-minute drive away. Together, we packed up the cameras, backpacks, and athletes and headed off to the location. I had a long chat with Kristian, who was in the passenger seat, about all sorts of things, both in and out of triathlon. The man embodies some truly great values: focus on the essentials, hard, honest training, fair and unconditional races, and always having fun with the training group.
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
At the home of the world record holder
What can I say? The location was worth the detour. A magnificent view over Bergen, the many lights, and the bay were truly spectacular. Incidentally, the running track where Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden regularly do their interval training is also located amidst these mountains. Kristian's fastest kilometer: 2:40 minutes. He often starts with a ride up by bike, which takes about six minutes at high intensity. Six minutes uphill, one kilometer at full throttle, downhill, and then it starts all over again. Tough and honest, just as described.
We had originally planned a trip to a bike fitting lab. There, we wanted to film the final sequences, cover the cycling portion of the race, and shoot some secret sock designs. But Kristian spontaneously invited us over to his place. So there we were, six of us (Mikal, Gustav Iden's brother, was also with us), in the living room of the world's fastest IRONMAN 70.3 athlete. We worked through one item on the shot list after another, and then some. We filmed on the trainer in the basement, then spontaneously on the balcony, in our racing suits or cycling kit, jeans or bib shorts. I've rarely met two such easygoing, patient, and funny athletes . The cameras were constantly rolling...
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
Photo credit: Marcel Hilger
A great start to a successful period
Done and dusted. Photos in the can, frozen pizza in the oven. Marcel, Nick, and I were pretty exhausted that evening. The first sequences had already been edited and the first photos retouched. We had to get up shortly after four o'clock the next morning. Three tired men, three different planes. We drove to the airport through the fresh snow. Packed in our luggage were many memories, impressions, and certainties. We want to present two of them explicitly:
Firstly, we're certain that with Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden, we've found two athletes who are a perfect fit for us. With 110% dedication to guaranteeing the best possible performance, and always with a good dose of fun and a relaxed attitude, this partnership is already a real joy!
Secondly, we'd like to show you the short film that Nick edited. 45 seconds of action, full throttle, triathlon. I think the result speaks for itself!