TeamNL’s speed skating athletes are adapting to the conditions at Fiera Milano ahead of a major competition, with coach Anema observing varying progress among the skaters.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch news outlet, reports on the preparations and assessments made by the team’s coaching staff.
The event is taking place in hall fifteen of the large Fiera Milano complex, where eighteen selected members of TeamNL are competing. Coach Anema noted that some skaters have adjusted well to the track, though he refrained from naming individuals. Timing is a critical factor for success in speed skating, often described as “finding their rhythm”. He emphasized that once the timing is close, athletes can further refine their technique to improve performance.
During the weekend of the last World Cup event in Inzell, Anema had commented on the importance of timing and also noted which skaters seemed comfortable on the ice. He mentioned observing some athletes who had yet to find their optimal timing, including Sander Eitrem. Eitrem, who recently set a world record as the first skater to complete the five-kilometer race in under six minutes, had faced some difficulties replicating his top form in this setting.
The coach indicated that it remains uncertain whether the athletes will fully regain their peak condition during this competition. The team continues to rely on their training and periodization plans to achieve optimal results. The discussions were briefly interrupted as team member Samplonius reminded Anema of the need to depart promptly to catch their bus.
