The first World Cup tickets in speed skating have been forgiven, despite today’s beautiful weather. Merijn Scheperkamp, Dai Dai N’tab and Janno Botman have qualified for the 500 meters. They were the only North Holland skaters with success.
The 500 meters was skated in two parts. After the first round, Andijker Botman was the fastest, he was just ahead of Hein Otterspeer and Amsterdammer Tijmen Snel. N’tab (sixth) and Scheperkamp (seventh) could not score high.
In the end Stefan Westenbroek was the fastest in the 500 meters. Scheperkamp, N’tab and Botman also finished in the top five, which also qualified them for the World Cup. Quick (seventh) grabbed just off a ticket.
At each distance, five proofs were given for the first two World Cups in Stavanger and Heerenveen. These competitions are skated in November.
No starting ticket Schouten
Earlier in the evening, Irene Schouten came into action in the 1500 meters. That is not her favorite distance, but last season qualified for the World Cup. The starting ticket for those competitions passed her nose tonight. The Bloemendaal Esther Kiel set a personal best, but was sixth.
Horinees Jordy van Workum was the best Noord-Hollander in the five kilometers. He crossed the line with seven times and will be missing at the World Cup competitions in Stavanger and Heerenveen.
Tickets will also be given out on Saturday and Sunday.