Merel Conijn has won the National Championships all-round with the women. The 20-year-old skater from Edam rode to victory in the 5,000 meters in a direct duel with her challenger Joy Beune. With that she grabbed the stage victory and her first national title.
Conijn started the final day of the National Championships all-round as leader in the general classification. On Saturday she finished third in the 500 meters (39.45 seconds) and in the 3,000 meters Conijn finished second, behind Joy Beune. That turned out to be the biggest competitor for the national title.
On Sunday, a battle unfolded between Conijn and Beune, because Beune took the longest in the 1,500 meters. Although Conijn remained in the lead, Beune was close behind because of the victory.
At the closing 5,000 meters Conijn had a lead of 4.09 seconds. Conijn had to give in halfway through two seconds, but had a strong last part in his legs and passed Beune. The Edam clocked 6.58.36 and drove to the stage victory and the national title.
Together with Irene Schouten and Antoinette de Jong, Schouten will go to the World Allround Championships in Hamar thanks to her victory.
Olympics
The Olympic Games will follow for Conijn first. Last week it was announced that she as reserve can go to Beijing. Like Dai Dai N’tab, she travels to China to deal with any injury or corona cases.
The Winter Games will be held in Beijing, China, from February 4 to February 20.