Scheperkamp Joins Reggeborgh, Teaming Up with De Boo in Sprint Powerhouse
HEERENVEEN, Netherlands – In a significant move for the Dutch speed skating scene, Merijn Scheperkamp has officially signed a two-year contract with Team Reggeborgh, leaving behind his seven-year tenure with Team Essent. The transfer, confirmed on Thursday, pairs the 25-year-old sprinter with reigning European champion Jenning de Boo, creating a formidable duo for the upcoming seasons. This move comes after Scheperkamp failed to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Milan, prompting a reevaluation of his career path.
Scheperkamp’s decision follows extensive discussions with Reggeborgh coaches Gerard van Velde and Dennis van der Gun. “I have thought carefully about my future after the OKT (Olympic Qualification Tournament) and had several conversations,” Scheperkamp said in a press statement released by Reggeborgh. “The conversation with Van Velde and Van der Gun was incredibly great. It feels like a step I need to take right now.” The transfer was first reported by NU.nl and quickly gained traction across Dutch sports media.
A Modern Chapter After Seven Years at Essent
For seven seasons, Scheperkamp skated under Jac Orie at Team Essent, formerly known as Jumbo-Visma. While he achieved a European sprint title in 2023, his performance had plateaued in recent years. He struggled to regain the form that saw him qualify for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he finished 12th in the 500m. According to Schaatsen.nl, Scheperkamp has been striving to break the 34-second barrier in the 500m, but has seen limited progress, his personal best remaining at 34.41 seconds, only marginally improved from 34.45 seconds in 2021.
The move to Reggeborgh represents a fresh start for the sprinter. The team enjoyed a successful Olympic Games in Milan, securing gold medals through Femke Kok (500m) and Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong (1500m), as well as silver medals for Jenning de Boo and bronze for Kjeld Nuis. This success is a key factor in Scheperkamp’s decision, as he seeks a new environment to revitalize his career. Reggeborgh’s coaching duo, Gerard van Velde and Dennis van der Gun, are known for their focus on sprint development, offering a specialized approach that Scheperkamp hopes will unlock his full potential.
Essent’s Loss, Reggeborgh’s Gain
The transfer comes at a potentially awkward time for Team Essent, which is currently building its team around world champion Joep Wennemars. The team recently acquired Louis Hollaar from Reggeborgh, but reportedly attempted to also bring Tim Prins over from Reggeborgh, a move Prins ultimately declined, choosing to remain with his current team. As reported by De Telegraaf, the situation has created a degree of tension between the two teams.
The timing of the announcement, just two days before the national championships, has also added to the intrigue. Sources within Thialf, the primary training facility for Dutch speed skaters, have remained tight-lipped about the transfer, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. The move is seen as strengthening Reggeborgh’s position in the sprint events, while forcing Essent to reassess its strategy around Wennemars.
What Which means for the Future
Scheperkamp’s arrival at Reggeborgh creates a dynamic partnership with Jenning de Boo, who has consistently demonstrated top-tier performance. De Boo secured silver at the 2025 European Championships, finishing behind an elusive Jenning de Boo. The combination of Scheperkamp’s raw speed and De Boo’s tactical prowess could prove to be a significant asset for Reggeborgh in upcoming competitions.
The focus now shifts to how Scheperkamp adapts to his new training environment and coaching staff. His ability to regain his previous form and push past his current plateau will be crucial to his success. The upcoming seasons will be a critical test for both Scheperkamp and Reggeborgh as they aim to dominate the sprint events on the international stage.
The next major event for both skaters will be the World Cup series, scheduled to begin in November 2026. This will provide an early opportunity to assess the impact of Scheperkamp’s transfer and the effectiveness of the new coaching setup at Reggeborgh. Fans can follow updates on the team’s performance through the official Reggeborgh website and social media channels.
