Ireen Wüst started the hunt for her seventh world title all round Friday with the fourth time in the 500 meters. The Polish Karolina Bosiek won the first distance in Hamar, while defending champion Martina Sáblíková lost quite some time.
Wüst was not really satisfied with her time of 38.96 in the Vikingskipet, although only Bosiek (38.76), the Japanese Nana Takagi (38.86) and the Russian Elizaveta Kazelina (38.86) were faster than the world champion of 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
Melissa Wijfje made his debut at the World Allround Championships with a sixth place in the 500 meters (39.16). Antoinette de Jong, the reigning European champion and last year’s number three, somewhat disappointed with place twelve (39.39).
Sáblíková, who traditionally must have the long distances, set only the eighteenth time with 40.30. The five-time champion from the Czech Republic has to make up for more than 8 seconds on Wüst on Saturday at 3 km.
The Canadian Ivanie Blondin, also a contender on at least one podium place, started well with the eighth place at her least distance (39.19).
– .
