Jordan Stolz currently leads the overall classification following the initial 500-meter and five-kilometer races, with Norwegian competitor Sander Eitrem closing the gap after setting a new track record at Thialf.
According to Schaatsen.nl, Stolz started strong with times of 34.22 seconds in the 500-meter and 6 minutes 19.66 seconds in the five-kilometer race. However, Eitrem, who lost 2.7 seconds to Stolz in the 500-meter with a time of 36.94 seconds, gained 18 seconds on Stolz in the longer distance, finishing the five kilometers in 6 minutes 1.61 seconds.
The two athletes represent contrasting styles, with Stolz described as the most explosive skater of the day, having already competed in two days of the World Sprint Championships. Stolz commented on his performance after the five-kilometer race, admitting fatigue towards the finish. He expressed a wish to have skated approximately four seconds faster but considered his time acceptable under the circumstances. Stolz acknowledged the difficulty ahead, noting that if his competitors skated under 6 minutes and 8 seconds, they would significantly close the gap and challenge his title defense.
Eitrem delivered a remarkable response by setting the fastest ever five-kilometer time at Thialf, surpassing Patrick Roest’s previous record of 6 minutes 4.36 seconds. Eitrem stated that he had the existing record in mind before the race and was pleased to have significantly beaten it. He described the achievement as a satisfying moment and a worthy redemption after a disappointing 500-meter race in which he had hoped to improve by fractions of a second.
Using his disappointment from the earlier race as motivation, Eitrem gave his full effort in the longer event, resulting in his record-breaking performance and a marked improvement in his standing relative to Stolz.
