NORSEMAN 2026 — What an idea?

After my Ironman in Hamburg, I was looking for a new challenge.

Then I discovered the Norseman and the new XTRI World Tour system. With the new points system, I thought I needed to collect points quickly if I wanted to have a chance of getting a slot for this legendary race.

I signed up for two new races: Swedeman Solo.5 and a full GreekHero.

Unfortunately, six months later, back problems severely limited my training. I DNF’d my first full XTRI, stopping for safety reasons at kilometer 20 of the trail. But the desire to come back was still there.

Just one week later, I had signed up again for the same race — and added the full Swedeman to the list.

Then, in 2025, the announcement came: I had a slot for the legendary race in Norway.

I was happy, but not necessarily reassured about the water temperature after suffering from hypothermia in Sweden in 10–11°C water.

My sensitivity to the cold was confirmed a few months later, when another episode of hypothermia forced me to stop at kilometer 60 on Mount Torre during a trail race in Portugal.

90 days to go.

The quest to fight the cold began.

I gained 1–2 kg, increased my intake of fatty fish, did a few open-water sessions, and bought a few gadgets — including heated gloves.

45 days to go — Ironman Tours.

A good training race, but I was still struggling with my running.

4 days to go.

Departure for Norway.

I had never packed so much equipment for a race.

Two open-water sessions in the fjord gave me great sensations, with the water around 13°C — even colder near the village because of the river.

Race day.

The boat departure at 4 a.m., after dropping off the bike at 3 a.m.

A unique atmosphere during the preparation, with a few more conversations with triathletes from all over the world — some of them racing their third Norseman.

A cold shower for the athletes to acclimatize, followed by the legendary jump from the boat.

500 meters swimming to reach the start line.

The boat’s siren goes off.

And we’re off.

16 hours of racing ahead.

The water is incredibly pure — almost making you want to drink it.

We swim along the mountains of the fjord before reaching the turning point, where we suddenly face the current. Slower and colder because of the river, but still full of positive energy after swimming all year with Bertrand and the club. 😁

Then comes the bike.

I’m a little apprehensive, because most of the elevation gain is concentrated in the first 30 km, with Category 3 and unclassified climbs reaching more than 20%.

A first for me.

From 16°C, the temperature drops to around 6°C as we reach the high plateau.

My heated gloves are making a huge difference.

My back starts bothering me badly on the final climb, but my brother, my race support, is still there, pushing me forward and giving me that extra boost of motivation.

T2.

An incredible atmosphere, with so much encouragement from the supporters. It gives us the energy to keep going.

The first 25 km of the run are far too slow.

Then comes the second part, with the elevation gain tackled mostly by walking, without stress, keeping the goal in mind: earning the white T-shirt.

16 hours of racing.

And an overwhelming desire to come back.

To improve the run. And, this time, to climb Zombie Hill.

Just like the other XTRI races, Norseman is much more than a race.

It’s about sharing the experience with your support crew, with the other crazy triathlon teams, with pro athletes and with athletes from all over the world.

Will I go back to the Viking triathlon ?

Yes. Without a doubt.

Côme Simon de Tinguy

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