The first marathon on natural ice will not be held in Nieuw-Buinen. The KNSB prefers the skating rink in Burgum. In 2006, the first marathon on natural ice of the season was held in Drenthe for the last time, namely in Veenoord.
“In some places we are close to three centimeters”, Monique Wessels responds on behalf of the skating club in Nieuw-Buinen. “That’s just not enough.” To hold a marathon on natural ice, the ice must be at least three centimeters thick.
Yesterday, the KNSB already showed that there was a good chance that the first marathon would not take place in Nieuw-Buinen. The ice quality on the courses in Noordlaren and Burgum already looked better at that time.
“If you take on such a battle, you know that several associations are participating,” says Wessels, who is nevertheless positive. “It was a fantastic week. All the effort has really been worth it. We have had many great learning moments. Our time will come another time.”
The KNSB is going to measure the ice today in Burgum, in Friesland. “You can have 3 centimeters of ice, but the quality must also be good.” However, the chance that the marathon will still go to Drenthe seems out of the question. “My expectation is that Burgum will just hold a marathon tonight.”
It does not mean that the preparations in Nieuw-Buinen will now be stopped. “We are still spraying. And we will continue to do so.” They will do this until they also have 3 centimeters in Nieuw-Buinen. “We’ll see what happens next.”
Last night we worked hard, although it was not the ideal night for the ice rink. Monique Wessels calls it a changing night. “There were times last night when it wasn’t freezing enough. That’s why we couldn’t spray all night.”
At the association they look and discuss what they are going to do today. “As soon as we know that we will not be holding a marathon tonight, my expectation is that the track will open to the public. We certainly have a nice ice floor.”