Marijke Groenewoud and Joy Beune face a significant challenge on the final day of the World Allround Speed Skating Championships as they trail leaders Ragne Wiklund and Miho Takagi heading into the 1,500-meter race.
According to NOS, Groenewoud started Sunday 1.73 seconds behind both Norwegian Ragne Wiklund and Japanese skater Miho Takagi. Wiklund is considered the favorite for the world title due to her strength in longer distances, while Takagi and Wiklund were tied after the first two distances in the competition.
Joy Beune, who is the defending champion, is currently in fourth place after the first day of events. She managed to limit losses in the 500 meters but recorded a slower than expected time of 4:00.09 in the 3,000 meters, marking her first time above four minutes this season. Beune begins the 1,500-meter race on Sunday 1.94 seconds behind the leaders. Takagi had the best time in the 500 meters and is set to retire from speed skating after this weekend.
On the 3,000 meters, Wiklund posted the fastest time of 3:56.83. Takagi’s time was 4:03.37, narrowly slower than Marijke Groenewoud’s compatriot, Irene Schouten’s successor, who had dropped to fifth place in that race. Groenewoud was strong in a direct duel against Beune on the 3,000 meters, posting the second-best time of 3:57.39. Beune’s performance was less competitive, finishing over four minutes.
In a notable moment, five-time world allround champion Martina Sáblíková skated her final race in the 3,000 meters. Sáblíková had planned to retire at these championships in Thialf but was not fully fit after illness at the Olympics. She skipped the 3,000 meters there but was honored with 7.5 honorary laps during her farewell race. Sáblíková slowed down on the final lap, delivering an emotional farewell to an enthusiastic audience who gave her a standing ovation. Her illustrious career has spanned more than twenty years, concluding with tearful memories from the fans and herself.
