IKO-X2O has added Spanish skater Nil Llop to its roster, aiming to strengthen the team’s sprint capabilities following recent departures.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch ice skating news outlet, reports on the team’s latest signing and plans for integrating Llop into their training program.
With the exit of Sebas Diniz, Marten Liiv, and Kayo Vos, IKO-X2O looked to bolster its sprinting strength. Coach Martin ten Hove highlighted the addition of Llop alongside Mats van den Bos, noting that both are capable of skating powerful low 34-second laps in the 500m. Ten Hove said the team is optimistic about Llop’s development, acknowledging his steady efforts over the years, especially as observed by Bart Hoolwerf, who has experience with Llop from their skeelering days.
Currently, Llop’s speed records show he has only surpassed a 34.5-second mark a few times. The initial weeks after joining the team will focus on assessing his physical condition through various tests. Ten Hove indicated that achieving greater stability and adapting to new training methods could help Llop become a stronger competitor at the international level.
The coach also explained that Llop’s training will shift significantly from his previous skeeler-based approach. While he has done strength training, he is relatively inexperienced with sprint-focused activities such as athletics track sprints, skating jumps, and skating-specific movement drills. The team plans to maintain his foundational skeeler skills and allow him to continue competing in roller events alongside ice skating.
An additional advantage of recruiting a foreign athlete is the qualification process for World Cup events, which for Llop relies solely on meeting time standards rather than a high-level national qualifying tournament. Dutch commercial teams like IKO-X2O face a limit of two non-Dutch riders under contract at any time. Following Marten Liiv’s departure as the team’s previous international skater, IKO-X2O sought a replacement with different characteristics. Ten Hove described Llop as a contrasting personality, more spirited compared to Liiv’s calm and calculated demeanor, and the team remains positive about this new dynamic.
