Sebastian Reitsma in action at the Roelof Thijs Bokaal in Thialf. Photo: Dijks Media / Henk jan Dijks
Finnish ice speedway driver Henri Ahlbom won the Roelof Thijs Bokaal in Thialf on Friday evening. Ahlbom won the final after his three co-finalists were disqualified due to falls. The three Dutch participants did not qualify for the final.
The drivers turned it into a spectacular race in the Frisian ice temple for more than 3000 enthusiastic spectators. 15-year-old Sebastian Reitsma from Westhoek, coached by father Simon, added luster to his debut with three second places in the qualifying heats. He was the youngest competitor ever to participate in this event, scoring a total of eight points. “This was perfect,” said Reitsma. ,,Friends and family in the stands and immediately take points in such an atmosphere. Kick!”
Material breakdown Iwema
Jasper Iwema from Hooghalen had a hectic run-up to this race with material breakdowns, but finished first in the eighteenth heat. However, in the end, the Drent was unable to force a place in the final. The third Dutchman, Niek Schaap from Julianadorp, was also unable to win the medals.
The final battle had a curious course because the Swede Jimmy Olsén, Austrian Martin Posch and German Benedikt Monn were all three disqualified after crashes. As a result, Ahlbom, who was the only one to cross the finish line, collected enough points to win. The silver was for Monn, Olsén was third. Just like Schaap, Iwema will compete for the world championship today and Sunday.