Inline skater Rémon Kwant from Koekange had to get going during the NK in Heerde. On Saturday on the last day, 28-year-old Drent struck with a Dutch title in the 500 meters.
That immediately gave the tournament the shine he needed for Kwant. The inline skater, who trains in Italy, had a mediocre start to the NK in the blazing hot sun. The sprinter finished second on Thursday during the one-lap and was unable to win any prizes in the 1000 meters. The last chance for gold was the 500 meters on the track of the skeeler club in Heerde.
Kwant initially didn’t seem to be able to break any pots in the final, in which he was the last and fourth rider dangling at the back. But he showed that he has the necessary fighter mentality and smart course insight. The Drent dived into a hole twice and moved up one place each time. After that he was faster in the sprint than home favorite Glenn Nijenhuis and Rick Schipper, who finished third.
With the gold, Kwant also secured his election for the European Championship, which will be held in France.