Jorrit Bergsma, recent bronze medalist in the 10-kilometer event in Milan, will not compete in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic team pursuit as the Dutch coach opts for other skaters in the initial round.
NOS Schaatsen, a Dutch news outlet, reports that the team strategy is designed to maximize chances for a medal.
Team coach Rintje Ritsma has selected Chris Huizinga, Marcel Bosker, and Stijn van de Bunt for Sunday’s quarterfinal race, explaining that the plan relies on a three-race approach. Ritsma said that Bergsma is expected to be involved in Tuesday’s races and emphasized that all four skaters will likely be needed to secure a medal. “We started this process together and will finish it together,” he stated.
However, Bergsma’s coach, Jillert Anema, expressed his concerns about the current approach, calling it influenced by diplomatic factors and questioning the decision not to field the strongest combination which would include Bergsma. Earlier in the week, Stijn van de Bunt also voiced dissatisfaction over the lack of direct communication regarding team selection.
The men’s team pursuit will begin their quarterfinal race Sunday at 16:00, aiming first to qualify for the semifinals by delivering a swift performance with as many fresh skaters as possible. Ritsma noted that both Chris Huizinga and Marcel Bosker bring freshness and extensive team pursuit experience, while Stijn van de Bunt was chosen as the third skater.
On the women’s side, the Dutch team will start their Olympic contest today at 16:00 against Kazakhstan. Joy Beune, Marijke Groenewoud, and Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong are the main competitors, with Bente Kerkhoff and Merel Conijn named as reserves. The women’s team earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics with Groenewoud and Rijpma-De Jong as part of the lineup, along with Irene Schouten and Ireen Wüst.
In the 2022 Winter Games, the Dutch men’s team narrowly missed out on a bronze medal after losing to the United States. The current competition format advances the four fastest teams to the semifinals, where the victorious team is the first to cross the finish line.
