At the start of the World Cup season, Claudia Pechstein followed the competition in speed skating.
The 50-year-old Berliner took 16th and last place in the A group over 3000 meters in Stavanger, Norway. In 4:26.56 minutes, the Olympic champion was more than 23 seconds slower than winner Ragne Wiklund from Norway. Due to the last place, Pechstein will be relegated to the weaker B group for the next World Cup next weekend in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Josie Hofmann was the best German over the long distance. The 25-year-old from Erfurt finished third in the B group in 4:17.43 minutes and will start in Heerenveen in the A group. “That was the highlight today,” said national coach Geert Kuiper. The Berliners Michelle Uhrig (4:22.58) and Marlen Ehseluns (4:26.41) were also faster than Claudia Pechstein, who claims to have completed her 339th World Cup race since the 1991/1992 season.
Over 1500 meters for men, Stefan Emele fell short of expectations. The man from Erfurt finished 18th in 1:49.30 minutes and also lost his place in Group A. Sixth in the B group, his club colleague Moritz Klein was slightly faster than the German record holder in 1:49.20 minutes. The winner was Jordan Stolz from the USA with a track record of 1:44.89 minutes.
Overall, Kuipers drew a mixed balance. The athletes are in good spirits and their performance is better than last year, but more starting places in the A groups are needed. “There are a few points of light, but they’re not that bright,” said the Dutchman.