Team Jumbo-Visma clinches 19 World Cup spots at Thialf
Team Jumbo-Visma has started the season on a high note. The formation of success coach Jac Orie clinched 19 World Cup spots at the World Cup Qualification Tournament at Thialf.
Just like last year Antoinette de Jong claimed the most spots, finishing in the top 5 at four different distances: 1,000, 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters. Patrick Roest was impressive as well. He claimed three World Cup spots (1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 meters) and set a new track record at 10,000 meters on Sunday.
“This is a very nice feeling”, Roest said after his race. “Especially, because I have never been faster before at this distance. Of course, it is very nice to set a new track record as well. I am going to the first World Cups of the season with a lot of confidence.”
For Team Jumbo-Visma eight speed skaters will go to the World Cups. Beside De Jong and Roest, Thomas Krol, Douwe de Vries, Sven Kramer, Kjeld Nuis, Hein Otterspeer and Carlijn Achtereekte managed to earn at least two World Cup spots.
On November 15th the World Cup season will start in Minsk (Belarus/November 15-17). The second World Cup takes place in Tomaszow Mazowiecki (Poland/November 22-24). After a small break the teams will go to Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan/December 6-8) and Nagano (Japan/December 13-15). On December 27th the Dutch speed skaters will return to Thialf (Heerenveen) for the National Single Distance Championships.
Photo: Stephan Tellier
