The Dutch women’s pursuit team finished fifth at the World speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen, while Sven Kramer secured a dramatic victory in the men’s mass start, and Bob de Vries took silver. The unexpected result for the orange Women, typically a dominant force, adds intrigue to the upcoming World Cup season and raises questions about their Olympic prospects.
The Dutch pursuit team, comprised of Marijke Groenewoud, Irene Schouten, and Lotte van Beek, clocked a time of 2:58.94, falling short of Canada’s winning time of 2:56.61.This marks their lowest finish in the event in recent years, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape. Meanwhile,Kramer’s win in the mass start,a notoriously unpredictable race,showcased his tactical brilliance and enduring athleticism,solidifying his status as a speed skating legend. De Vries’ silver medal further underscored the strength of the Dutch men’s team.
In other results, Patrick Roest won the 5000m in 6:09.92, and Kjeld Nuis took gold in the 1000m with a time of 1:07.78. The championships, held at the Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen, Netherlands, drew top skaters from around the globe, setting the stage for a thrilling World Cup season leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
