Sprint speed skater Sebas Diniz will compete for Team Essent over the next two seasons after reaching an agreement to leave X2O Badkamers despite an existing contract.
De Telegraaf, a Dutch news outlet, reported on Diniz’s unexpected team change and the circumstances surrounding the contractual agreement.
The 24-year-old athlete from Gelderland announced the move in an interview with De Telegraaf but did not elaborate on the details of terminating his contract with X2O Badkamers. X2O Badkamers issued a statement confirming that both parties reached a mutual agreement to end the contract. Diniz described informing his coach Martin ten Hove and fellow team members of his decision as difficult conversations, though he felt most teammates understood his reasoning after he explained his choice personally.
Diniz expressed that joining Team Essent offers him access to a higher level of sprint specialists, which he views as crucial for his development. Among the established sprinters at Essent are Joep Wennemars and Norwegian skater Bjørn Magnussen, who also left his national team due to a lack of suitable sparring partners. The presence of former world champion Jeremy Wotherspoon, who recently returned to coaching in Canada after ten years, further strengthens the squad.
While last season Diniz trained alongside athletes such as Marten Liiv, Dai Dai N’tab, Kayo Vos, and Mats van den Bos, departures of Vos to Reggeborgh and Liiv’s new collaboration with Johan de Wit and Zhongyan Ning have reduced the team’s sprint depth. Diniz is confident that Team Essent provides a more optimal environment to reach his goals, which include running a 33-second 500 meters, joining the world’s top ranks, and winning international medals.
