Dutch speed skater Merijn Scheperkamp has left the Essent team after seven seasons to join the Reggeborgh squad, aiming to further his career under new coaches following a recent European sprint championship title.
NOS Schaatsen, Netherlands
Merijn Scheperkamp, a 25-year-old sprinter, has officially signed a two-year contract with the Reggeborgh speed skating team. He previously spent seven seasons competing with Essent, a team formerly known as Jumbo-Visma, where his coach was Jac Orie. At Reggeborgh, he will be coached by Gerard van Velde and Dennis van der Gun, both of whom were instrumental in the team’s strong performance at the recent Olympic Games in Milan. During those games, Reggeborgh athletes Femke Kok and Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong won gold in the 500 meters and 1,500 meters respectively, while teammates Jenning de Boo and Kjeld Nuis earned silver and bronze medals.
Despite his success in 2023, including winning the European sprint championship, Scheperkamp did not qualify for the latest Olympic Games. Reflecting on his options after the Olympic qualification tournament, he engaged in discussions with various parties and found the conversations with the Reggeborgh coaches compelling. He described the move as a timely step in his career. Four years earlier, he had competed at the Beijing Games.
The Essent team’s experience at the most recent Olympics was also disappointing, as none of the four athletes sent secured a medal. Scheperkamp’s transfer to Reggeborgh signals a fresh start with a team that has demonstrated recent international success.
