Thialf ice arena will host the third ISU World Cup long track speed skating event from December 5 to 7, featuring recently set world record holders.
According to Schaatsen.nl, the event brings together some of the fastest skaters, including the new Dutch record-holder in the women’s 500 meters and the French skater who recently broke the five-kilometer speed barrier. The atmosphere promises to be electrifying with notable athletes such as Femke Kok, known for her consistent performances, and Timothy Loubineaud, the French skater who balances his career with work as a police officer.
Femke Kok, who set a new Dutch record at 36.09 seconds in the 500 meters, is expected to continue her strong form, although breaking further records may be challenging at this venue. Thialf is a well-regarded ice arena but is at low altitude, which typically makes fast times harder to achieve compared to high-altitude tracks like Salt Lake City.
The long-distance races will also see important changes, with the usual five-kilometer distance replaced by a 10,000-meter race. While a new world record (under 12 minutes 25.69 seconds) is considered unlikely unless conditions are exceptional, top athletes like world record holder Davide Ghiotto and other strong skaters such as Metodēj Jílek and Casey Dawson are expected to be major contenders. Norwegian skaters Sander Eitrem and Sigurd Henriksen will use the competition to prepare for the following World Cup stage in Hamar.
Additionally, Russian skater Vladimir Semirunniy is considered an outsider at the event. He is scheduled to compete in the B-division on Saturday morning, which may limit his visibility despite his potential.