Conijn had to drive fast in the final stage to beat teammate Marijke Groenewoud and to stay ahead of Bente Kerkhoff’s best time of 6.49.71. In the final laps, the defending champion skated away from Groenewoud and remained just above the best time ever in Thialf of Irene Schouten with 6.41.25. Groenewoud came second in 6.44.59.
Five skaters will go to the World Cup competitions on the 3000 and 5000 meters. The best two skaters in the 5000 meters have qualified, together with the best skaters in the 3000 meters. The first World Cup competition is from November 14 to 16 in Salt Lake City.
Joy Beune, the world champion in the 3000 meters, canceled this weekend due to illness for the 3000 and 5000 meters. The skater from Team IKO X2O can still be selected for the World Cup by the selection committee of the skating association.
It is Conijn’s second Dutch title this weekend. She also won the 3000 meters on Saturday ahead of Kerkhoff and Groenewoud.