As expected, the German speed skaters did not finish in the top ten at the Sprint World Championships in Hamar, Norway.
Chemnitz Nico Ihle was after twice 500 meters and 1000 meters with 141.180 points as 13th best German. At the end on Friday, the 36-year-old improved by one place compared to the half-time result. He ran over 1000 meters in 1:09.77 minutes, the seventh best time the day before. Over 500 meters, despite an increase compared to the start with 35.63 seconds, it was only enough for 16th place in the discipline ranking.
Moritz Klein (Erfurt) finished 16th after 35.50 seconds over 500 meters and 1:10.62 minutes over 1000 meters with 141.990 points, Hendrik Dombek (Munich) was 18th with 142.435 points after 35.81 seconds and 1 :10.19 minutes.
The Dutchman Thomas Krol secured the world title with 138.705 points ahead of his compatriot Kai Verbij (138.830). The Dutch also celebrated a double victory in the women’s race: Jutta Leerdam won with 151.140 points, just ahead of her compatriot Femke Kok (151.215). German speed skaters were not at the start.
From this Saturday the World Championships will continue with the all-around decision. The women run 500 meters and 3000 meters on the first day and 1500 meters and 5000 meters on the second day. Contrary to the original plans, 50-year-old Claudia Pechstein will compete there. After her ninth place in the mass start at her eighth Olympic Games in Beijing, the Berliner had ruled out a start. You haven’t trained for the all-around for a long time. “The topic is ticked off,” she had said. In addition to Pechstein, Leia Behlau (Inzell) will also be at the start.
The men’s distances are 500 meters, 5000 meters, 1500 meters and 10,000 meters. In addition, the titles are awarded in the team sprint for men and women.