On February 16, 2026, the focus at the Milan Winter Olympics shifts to the team pursuit events in long track speed skating, with both Dutch men’s and women’s teams competing for medals under the guidance of coach Rintje Ritsma.
Schaatsen.nl, the Netherlands’ speed skating news outlet, reports on the schedule and team selections for the day’s races at the Milan Games.
The men’s team pursuit will hold their semifinal race at 14:30 against Italy. Notably, Jorrit Bergsma, who earned a bronze medal in the 10,000 meter event, will replace Marcel Bosker, who lost his spot controversially to Tim Prins in team selection discussions. Bergsma will race alongside Chris Huizinga and Stijn van de Bunt. The winners of the semifinals will advance to the gold medal final, while the losing teams will compete in the bronze medal race, often referred to as the consolation final.
At 14:55, the women’s team pursuit semifinal will take place against Japan. The Dutch squad, expected to be composed of Joy Beune, Marijke Groenewoud, and Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, will aim to secure a spot in the final. Unlike individual events where times are critical, this knockout format means only the race outcome determines progression. Finals for both men and women are scheduled to begin from 16:20.
Meanwhile, short track speed skaters will not compete today; their next events, including the men’s 500 meter and women’s relay, are planned for tomorrow evening. The ongoing Winter Games are now in their eleventh day, and previous highlights include the second gold medal won by short track athlete Xandra Velzeboer.
