Speed skater Stijn van de Bunt expressed disappointment over unclear communication regarding his participation in the upcoming team pursuit race.
NOS, a Dutch news outlet, reports on the situation.
Van de Bunt was surprised to learn from media reports, rather than directly from the national coach, that his place in Sunday’s team pursuit race is still uncertain. He had assumed he was guaranteed to compete in the event. However, coach Rintje Ritsma indicated that the decision depends on the recovery and fitness of Van de Bunt and fellow skater Jorrit Bergsma following their 10-kilometer races. “It is apparently still not clear,” Van de Bunt said after training. “The question now is who recovers best, Jorrit or me. This is not necessarily a problem, but it should have been communicated beforehand.”
The team pursuit lineup has been unsettled since Patrick Roest’s performance level declined. After the Olympic qualification tournament, the Olympic team was announced including Marcel Bosker, Stijn van de Bunt, and Chris Huizinga. Bergsma has also been training with the squad under Ritsma’s supervision both in Heerenveen and Milan. While Bosker and Huizinga are confirmed starters, Van de Bunt and Bergsma will race the 10 kilometers on Friday, after which the final team will be decided. The team pursuit event is spread over two days, with the quarterfinals scheduled for Sunday and the semifinals and finals on Tuesday, February 17.
In contrast, the women’s team pursuit lineup is well established, with Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, Joy Beune, and Marijke Groenewoud forming a successful trio. They were world champions in Hamar last year and continue to perform strongly.
