After a bizarre race, Irene Schouten took the world title on the mass start. The skater from Hoogkarspel fell in the first round, but fought back into the competition and defeated the competition in the final sprint.
In the first lap Schouten tried to get away from the peloton to create a gap. The Dutch team’s plan failed miserably, as Schouten crashed in the corner.
The 31-year-old skater from West Friesland quickly got back on her skates and gave chase. The Canadian women actually accelerated to prevent Schouten from returning to the peloton. By character, the reigning Olympic champion only fought back with others halfway through the match.
Last forces
In the last lap the sprint was taken by Marijke Groenewoud, Schouten’s compatriot. In the final meters, Ivanie Blondin from Canada seemed to take the win, but Schouten used her last strength to push her skate across the finish line first. Blondin took silver and Groenwoud still took the bronze medal on behalf of the Netherlands.
It is the third time in her career that Schouten has won the world title in the mass start. On Sunday, Schouten will compete in the five kilometers at this World Championship in Calgary.