Sven Kramer about Elfstedentocht: ‘All a bit premature’ | Ice skating

sport">“I would rather have held my cards to my chest for a while to see what is possible. But yes, they did not and I understand that it is now difficult to reconsider that. I would like to look at it again, but I don’t think it is very urgent at the moment ”, the 34-year-old Frisian referred to the recent weather forecasts.

sport">Participation in the Elfstedentocht has long been a dream of the four-time Olympic champion on the long track. “According to the latest reports, the thaw will start again at the end of next week,” realizes Kramer, whose grandfather Hendrik and father Yep already rode the legendary Elfstedentocht. “So it is all premature, but I also think it is premature to immediately cancel it at the front. There are, of course, many more ideas and options than just not letting it go. In the end, however, it’s not about what I think about it, but what they think about it and that they look again at what is possible. I think they know very well what is possible, but you have to want that too. ”

Consider participation in NK natural ice

sport">For Kramer, this week only counts the World Championship distances, which start in Heerenveen on Thursday and end on Sunday. However, the leader of Jumbo-Visma has already finished the tournament after the team pursuit on Friday. After that, participation in a possible NK on natural ice is certainly an option for him, he said earlier.

sport">“It is not my job, nor is it my specific job,” argued Kramer. “Natural ice is really for the marathon skaters, they have been waiting for that for years. But I would love to participate and I will certainly commit 100 percent. But don’t pin me down just yet. ”

sport">Kramer: „I still have to weigh the risks. I shouted something out of enthusiasm, but now I want to keep full focus on the 5000 meters and team pursuit at the World Cup. If after that there is an NK on natural ice, and I sincerely hope so, then I will seriously consider participation. I don’t think that much can go wrong for me now for a year later at the Winter Games in Beijing. ”

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