Natural ice can make up for lost season of marathon skaters: ‘would be nice’

The Dutch sports world was at a standstill for a long time due to the corona crisis, but much has now started up again, such as volleyball, korfball and basketball. They fall under the exception of the top sports competitions. However, the marathon skating became definitively canceled. Much to the disappointment of the skaters. “The biggest reason is that the peloton is too big,” said Gary Hekman, who became Dutch champion last year.

“We drive with seventy or eighty men on a 400-meter track who occasionally push each other out of the track. That is of course not socially responsible. So I understand, but it is very frustrating. ultimately for it. “

‘My job’

Fellow skater Sjoerd den Hertog also understands the decision. “We do do a contact sport, but I thought it a pity that we were not among the sports that were allowed to start again. We also have a national competition. Marathon skating is my job.”

Yet it is not completely the end of exercise for Den Hertog. Because unlike a large part of his marathon colleagues, he and the skaters of his team (Team Zaanlander) can still train. The team of Jillert Anema has a long track license. “We can close our hands”, Den Hertog admits.

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