A wonderful performance by Merel Conijn. The 24-year-old skater from Edam has been crowned Dutch champion in the 3,000 meters. That is the first time in her career. The silver went to Bente Kerkhoff from Oostwoud.
Conijn rode to gold during the National Championships with a time of 3.58.13. She was almost a second faster than Kerkhoff (3.58.90). Marijke Groenewoud, the big favorite beforehand, had to settle for bronze. Reigning world champion Joy Beune was absent due to illness and did not race.
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Thanks to Conijn’s National Championship title and Kerkhoff’s silver medal, they have qualified for the first four World Cups (Salt Lake City, Calgary, Heerenveen and Hamar). Amsterdammer Tijmen Snel also joined this duo later in the day by finishing fifth in the 1,500 meters.
There are no tickets for the Olympic Games at stake during those World Cups. That qualifying tournament is only from December 26 to 30.