Irene Schouten has become Dutch marathon champion for the eighth consecutive time. The skater from Hoogkarspel crossed the finish line solo at the ice rink in Leeuwarden after a ride over a hundred laps.
The three-time Olympic champion made her move a few laps before the end when she broke away from a leading group of four, including two teammates.
One of those teammates, Maaike Verweij, skated to silver fourteen seconds behind. Femke Mossinkhoff finished third and prevented a complete AH-Zaanlander podium. Arianne Pruisscher finished fourth.
Schouten reacted enthusiastically to her eighth title at the NOS. “After a solo and with a teammate on the podium. Very nice,” said 31-year-old Schouten, who had won gold at the NK distances after Christmas in the 3000 and 5000 meters and the Dutch title for the tenth time at the mass start won.
Schouten has ruled the women’s peloton since 2016. The last time someone other than Schouten won the national title was Mariska Huisman. She triumphed in Groningen in 2015.