2024 Norseman: Fierce battles in the fjords under unusually calm conditions

A breathtaking pale pink sunrise dawned as athletes took the iconic jump from the back of a ferry to start the 2024 Zalaris Norseman race.

With 17°C water and not a breath of wind, the race might have appeared less daunting this year. However Mount Gausta was to remain as unforgiving as ever.

Fast swim to start

As anticipated, Norwegian Jørgen Gundersen quickly surged ahead on the swim looking confident and smooth in the water. He maintained his lead up to the Immingfjell climb, where he was gradually overtaken by the Swedish athlete Sebastian Norberg.

From that point, Norberg dominated the race, extending his lead and clinching victory in the 21st edition of Norseman with a time of 10 hours and 10 minutes.

“I have never been so exhausted. The course is absolutely stunning, and I am beyond thrilled!” Norberg exclaimed after his finish.

Behind Norberg, a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots was fought. The support teams of the German triathlete Lars Wichert and French competitor Aurélien Le Lay did not manage to keep up with their athletes, forcing the athletes to stay waiting at the finish line in dramatic scenes.

Former Olympian (in the lightweight rowing event) Wichert claimed second in a time of 10 hours 39 minutes. The support of Le Lay had a sprint finish to claim third in 10 hours 40 minutes, only 15 seconds ahead of Jørgen Gundersen.

Ahead of the race, Wichert was among the favourites, following his new age group world record at long-distance triathlon in June this year.

Strong women’s race showing

In the women’s race, German professional athlete Laura Zimmermann seized the lead in T1 and dominated the bike segment with an impressive 5 hour 52 minute bike split.

Zimmermann crossed the finish line as the first female and the eighth overall finisher, posting a time of 11 hours 30 minutes.

“It was a great experience and a truly fair race, just how triathlon should be,” Zimmermann said at the finish line at Mount Gausta.

Like in the men’s race, there was a battle for the two last podium spots. British athlete Claire Weller held second place throughout most of the race but was overtaken by Norwegian Kaja Bergwitz- Larsen, who finished at 12 hours and 13 minutes.

Weller finished at 12 hours 25 minutes to take third place.

British athletes give solid race

As well as Weller’s third place finish, there were other strong performances from British athletes. Chris Wood finished 23rd in the men’s race in his first-ever triathlon, with a time of 12:31:08. Sarah Timmis was the next-placed British woman in a time of 14:42:39.

To find out more about the Zararis Norseman race visit the website.

Find out more about the 2023 race, where Ironman world Champion Sebastian Kienle competed.