Speed Skating World Cup Season Opens in Beijing Without Top Stars
New talents and veterans compete for podium spots as major names remain absent.
1Season Opener in Beijing
The international speed skating season kicks off this weekend at the Beijing Olympic ice rink. A total of 242 athletes are registered for the event, which runs from November 13 to 15. Fans can follow the live action daily starting at 10:00 AM through NPO 1 and the official NOS website.
2Notable Absences Impact Competition
Half of the skaters who competed in last year's Salt Lake City season opener are missing from the Beijing roster. Major stars like Jordan Stolz, Miho Takagi, and Jutta Leerdam are absent due to various reasons, including retirement, temporary breaks, or medical issues. Jenning de Boo is sidelined with a broken collarbone.
3Strategic Absence of Stolz
Two-time Olympic champion Jordan Stolz opted out of the Beijing opener to avoid traveling to China twice in one season. He currently feels slightly overweight and plans to return to the ice next week in Obihiro, Japan. His absence creates significant opportunities for other competitors to claim gold in the early races.
4Veteran Experience Meets Opportunity
Kjeld Nuis, who recently celebrated his 37th birthday, enters the 1,000-meter race as the most experienced participant. Nuis is currently chasing his 100th World Cup medal, sitting at 98 total. He serves as a replacement for De Boo and remains a primary contender alongside Ning Zhongyan in the upcoming men's event.
5Rising Stars Chasing Victory
Joep Wennemars is aiming for his first-ever World Cup victory in the 1,000-meter distance. Despite having secured three previous medals, the reigning world champion seeks to solidify his standing. Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old talent Angel Daleman is making waves after recently defeating Femke Kok during the national qualification tournament held at Thialf.
6Path to World Championships
Beyond immediate medals, skaters are competing for qualification spots for the World Championships in February. To secure a ticket, athletes must achieve a World Cup victory and finish in the top three of the overall standings after the fourth event. The qualifying circuit includes stops in Heerenveen and Stavanger this winter.
7Generational Shift in Women's Field
The women's 1,000-meter event highlights a clear transition toward a new generation of skaters. Only two of the top ten finishers from the Milan Olympic Games are participating in Beijing. With legends like Leerdam and Takagi absent, Femke Kok and newcomer Angel Daleman are the favorites to dominate the podium this weekend.
8Return of Neutral Athletes
The International Skating Union has permitted athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to competition under a neutral flag. Seventeen skaters, including 29-year-old Daria Katsjanova, are participating in Beijing. Eligibility is strictly conditional, requiring proof that athletes have no ties to their national regimes or support for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Original article: NOS Sport — Speed Skating World Cup Season Opens in Beijing Without Top Stars