Crunch Time: Moments From the Norseman Ferry

It is the longest ferry ride in triathlon. Athletes competing at the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon start their race day with a 2.4 mile ride on a ferry out to the race start for the point-to-point swim. The ferry leaves at 4 am for a 5 am race start.

As you can imagine, for the athletes getting ready to take on what is arguably the toughest triathlon in the world, it can be a nerve-racking journey – and that’s even before they have to jump into the cold water of the fjord for the swim back to Eidfjord.

Here are some photos from the morning trip by Kevin Mackinnon.

It’s time to go!
Reigning champ Kristian Grue gets ready for another big day.
Kona 2023 finisher Christelle Rocchi psyches up for the big day ahead.
Roughly 20 minutes before the start the athletes have the option of getting wet under a cold shower to prepare for the water they’re about to jump into.
We profiled Pernille Døsvik before the race (link below). She did end up getting a black shirt!
Time for the jump into the Fjord – the water started at about 15 degrees Celsius, but the temperature dropped dramatically for the final part of the swim.
The last athlete into the water? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee!

Tags:

norsemanNorseman 2026

Start the discussion at forum.slowtwitch.com