AMSTERDAM — The night session made for exciting viewing at the Jaap Eden outdoor ice rink. Even as the sun set, the rain started pouring down again, making conditions tough for the competitors. But the best university speed skaters from around the world conquered the rain and stepped on the ice for their 5km and 10km.
There was no dearth of supporters either, as the crowds cheered and clapped through the pouring rain. In the ladies’ 5000m, Olympic champion Esmee Visser competed with teammate Sanne in ‘t Hof and skated to a track record of 7.34.70. Sanne had a tough last couple of laps and eventually ended third with 7.48.28. Magdalena Czyszczon of Poland won the silver medal in a time of 7.48.28
The rain came down harder and harder, as it was time for the men and their 10000m race. Dutchmen Victor Ramler and Jeroen Janissen started out great together, but just like in their 5km race, Victor slowly built up a margin. He set a sharp time of 14.17.03; no one in the second pair came even close, and Victor won his second gold medal of the week. The podium turned out exactly the same as after the 5km – with Ethan Cepuran in the second place with 14.31.15, and Jeroen Janissen third with 14.33.83.
After the race, top athletes Thomas Krol and Esmee Visser were honoured for their great results this season in combination with their studies at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, respectively.
That concluded a day of two parts, with the 1500m races having taken place earlier in the day. The sun was out briefly in the first half of the day, but the winds were strong over the ice rink. Many skaters said they had trouble with the weather, even though it was not raining. Due to the sun, the wind and the soft temperature, the ice was relatively soft. In other words, skating 1500m in full speed with the wind and the soft ice conditions was a tough task.
As competition began, it was clear that the skaters who are used to skating in the open air had an advantage; they could hold their pace and their speed. Thus, there was another clean sweep for Team Netherlands. Sanne in ‘t Hof took the lead in the women’s 1500m with a time of 2:09.56. Sterre Jonkers and Paulien Verhaar followed close behind with 2:09.78 and 2:09.84. There was rooting for the teammates, but also some disappointment when they found out they were so close to the first place.
Sanne in ‘t Hof was really happy with the win. “I only heard yesterday that I could fill in for Sanneke de Neeling on this distance,” she said after the win. “It was a tough race.”
After a difficult season for In ‘t Hof due to sickness, this win was extra special. For Sterre Jonkers it was the second silver medal in two days. Although happy with this performance, she left the ice with mixed feelings, having been so close to the win.
Two men stood out with their times: Macin Bachanek (POL) in first place with a time of 1:55.11 and Aleksandr Podoskij (RUS) in second place with a time of 1:55.86. Viktor Rudenko (BLR) came third with a time of 1:57.01.
“I had gone into the race without expectations,” Bachanek said later. “I just tried to give it my all, and tried to keep up my technique as much as possible in this battle against the wind.”
All results below.
5000m Ladies
Esmee Visser (NED) 7:34.70 (TR)
Magdalena Czyszczon (POL) 7:45.30
Sanne in ‘t Hof (NED) 7:48.28
10000m Men
Victor Ramler (NED) 14:17.03 (PB)
Ethan Cepuran (USA) 14:31.15
Jeroen Janissen (NED) 14:33.83
1500m Ladies
Sanne in ‘t Hof (NED) 2:09.56
Sterre Jonkers (NED) 2:09.78
Paulien Verhaar (NED) 2:09.85
1500m Men
Marcin Bachanek (POL) 1:55.11
Aleksandr Podolskij (RUS) 1:55.86
Viktor Rudenko (BLR) 1:57.01
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