Joy Beune secured a win in the 1500-meter race at the international event in Inzell just before the Winter Olympics, while Femke Kok recorded her 23rd consecutive victory in the 500-meter distance, setting a new track record.
According to NOS Schaatsen, a Dutch news outlet, Beune dominated the 1500 meters by finishing well ahead of fellow Dutch skaters Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong and Marijke Groenewoud. Despite this victory, Beune expressed mixed feelings as she had previously missed the opportunity to compete in this distance at the Olympics after failing to qualify during the Olympic qualification tournament (OKT) in Milan. Her winning time was 1:53.43, more than one and a half seconds faster than her compatriots who placed seventh and eighth respectively. Beune also secured the overall World Cup title for the 1500 meters.
The silver and bronze medals were earned by international competitors Miho Takagi and Ragne Wiklund, respectively. Beune attempted but did not succeed in breaking her own track record during the race, highlighting her strong form in the final competition before the Olympics.
Earlier in the evening, Kok delivered an impressive performance in the 500 meters, establishing a new track record of 36.87 seconds and reinforcing her excellent condition leading into the Olympics. This marked Kok’s 23rd consecutive victory in the 500-meter event, further solidifying her position as the leader in the World Cup standings for this distance. Kok’s previous record of 37.07 seconds was significantly improved during her winning run.
Reigning Olympic champion Erin Jackson participated despite a recent groin injury but finished fourth with a time of 37.44, unable to match Kok’s pace. Jutta Leerdam finished second, setting one of her best personal times with 37.22 seconds, just ahead of Poland’s Kaja Ziomek-Nogal who took third. Leerdam’s performance provided positive momentum before her preferred 1000-meter races at the Olympics. Marrit Fledderus, who will not be competing at the Olympics, finished ninth with a time of 37.97 seconds. The competition will continue on Sunday with a second 500-meter race scheduled.
