Irene Schouten has taken the Dutch title in the 5,000 meters. The skater from Hoogkarspel had to go deep for it, but rushed to gold in the final round. She won the five kilometers at the NK distances for the third time in a row. Later in the afternoon she was also the best in the mass start.
Schouten was very emotional after the 3,000 meters yesterday. She had an intense year through the Olympics and is still recovering from it. That was also the reason why she missed the NK and EK all-round.
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The West Frisian skated against Sanne in ‘t Hof in the last stage. She fought them to gold in 6:50.36, In ‘t Hof took silver. Marijke Groenewoud finished third. Robin Groot from Alkmaar missed a podium place and finished fourth. Because of the win, Schouten also qualifies for the World Championship distances, which will be held from 2 to 5 March.
Schouten closed the NK distances this afternoon with a good feeling, as she won the mass start. The silver was for Marijke Groenewoud and Elisa Dul was third.