Erling Haaland inspiring Norwegian compatriot and Olympic champion as Man City chase historic Treble

Erling Haaland's 'monster' exploits are inspiring compatriot Kristian Blummenfelt's pursuit of ticking off more triathlon goals in Ibiza.

The reigning Olympic champion, 29, will compete against British star Alistair Brownlee in the first-ever edition of the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) European Open on Saturday morning. The event features every Olympic champion since Beijing 2008 as two-time gold medallist Brownlee and Jan Frodeno, who grabbed glory in China 15 years ago, will also do Balearic battle in the Spanish sun.

Blummenfelt has watched Norwegian hitman Haaland, 22, rack up a staggering 51 goals for Manchester City this season and break the Premier League record for most strikes in a campaign - 35 - against West Ham on Wednesday night.

The two-time Ironman world champion admits Haaland's exploits have ignited his passion for football and hopes innovative events like the PTO's European Open can help further enhance the visibility of his sport in Scandinavia.

He said: "I'm wasn't too much of a big a football fan, but I'm watching all of Erling's post-match videos to see the goals he's scoring.

"I've suddenly turned into a Manchester City fan because of what he's doing. It's cool to see how he's breaking all the records and inspiring to see him do those monster performances.

"I don't think they care too much at home if I win in Ibiza - I think they care more if he's scoring goals! But hopefully the PTO tour can change that to make triathlon more publicly available and get interest higher.

"Of course, it's great to see what Erling's been doing - and I want to come at the top of the podium this weekend."

Blummenfelt clinched Olympic gold by beating British star Alex Yee and New Zealand's Hayden Wilde in