The skaters will compete in Heerenveen for the Dutch titles at the National Championship distances over the next three days. For each distance they can also win starting tickets for the European Championship distances a week later, also in Thialf, and for the World Championship distances in February in Calgary, Canada.
Twelve titles can be won at the National Championships. On Thursday the men will start with the 5000 meters and then with the first 500 meters. After the skaters have completed the 1500 meters, the second 500 meters follow. A day later, the women compete in the 3000 meters and 500 meters and the men in the 1500 meters. On the third day the longest distances (5000 meters for women and 10 kilometers for men) and the 1000 meters are held. The National Championships conclude with the mass start.
Patrick Roest won three Dutch titles at the National Championships last February. Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong and Irene Schouten won two.
Program today
• 6.25 pm: 5000 meters men
• 8:05 PM: first 500 meters men
• 8:45 p.m.: 1500 meters women
• 9:39 PM: second 500 meters men
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.