Oct 28, 2023 at 2:38 PM Update: a day ago
Elisa Dul qualified for the World Cup in the 3 kilometers on Saturday. The 25-year-old skater rode the third fastest time in Thialf, was subsequently disqualified, but heard two hours after the race that the penalty had been reversed. Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong was left out.
Dul took almost seven seconds off her personal record in Heerenveen. The Team Albert Heijn Zaanlander rider recorded 4.00.56, which was more than enough for a place in the top five and therefore a ticket for the World Cups.
This surprise meant that half an hour after the race, Dul was disqualified. She allegedly crossed the line with her skate in the first turn. Dul and her team protested and it was successful. The referees reversed the disqualification after reviewing the footage. That rarely happens in skating.
Dul still retained her third place. This means that Rijpma-de Jong will not be allowed to participate in the 3 kilometers in the first World Cups. The former world champion at this distance clocked the sixth fastest time (4.02.41) after a moderate race.
Rijpma-de Jong was 0.09 seconds short of Sanne in ‘t Hof’s fifth place (4.02.32). “I just didn’t deserve to reach the World Cups,” said the Frisian.
Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong had a bad Saturday. Photo: Pro Shots
Kiel cannot surprise again
Joy Beune (fourth in 4:01.69) is the fifth skater to win a World Cup ticket. Esther Kiel, who surprised on Friday with a second place in the 1,500 meters, fell just short with seventh place.
The World Cup season kicks off on November 10 in Obihiro, Japan. A week later the skaters will be in action in Beijing.
Results 3,000 meters
Irene Schouten: 3,55,896 Marijke Groenewoud: 3,58,081 Elisa Dul: 4,00,561 Joy Beune: 4,01,693 Sanne in ‘t Hof: 4,02,322 Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong: 4,02,412 Esther Kiel: 4,03,046 Melissa Wijfje : 4,03,821 Bente Kerkhof: 4,06,676 Reina Anema: 4,08,330
Kok strikes in the first 500 meters, Leerdam second
Femke Kok was the fastest in the 500 meters in Thialf on Saturday, ahead of Jutta Leerdam and Naomi Verkerk.
In the 1,500 meters for men, the top three consisted of Patrick Roest, Kjeld Nuis and Wesly Dijs.
