During a recent team gathering, members shared stories from past experiences while discussing training strategies and personal decisions related to upcoming events.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, provided the original report on the team’s activities.
The team paused their activities after about an hour to enjoy lunch together, featuring Zaanlander cheese. Conversation topics included the Sanex era and TVM, with Anema taking the lead in sharing anecdotes. Reflecting on the season’s opening weekend, Anema revealed how he created puzzles for the skaters to solve, such as identifying the first stop at Marijke Groenewoud’s place, noted for its good coffee and large garden. Another challenge involved deciphering the fifth root of 59049, which took the team’s speed skaters roughly thirty minutes to solve.
Sofia Schilder briefly joined the group to discuss the upcoming European Inline Skating Championships in Italy. While eager to participate, Anema advised her that it might not be the best preparation for the winter season, preferring the ideal training schedule he had designed. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the decision ultimately lay with her and encouraged her to choose what would make her happiest. Schilder listened attentively and left to contemplate her options, with Anema offering to discuss the matter again if needed.
Meanwhile, a calm atmosphere prevailed among the team members in their lodgings. The male athletes were engaged in casual conversation on couches, while the female athletes rested. When they learned that visitor Kevin van der Horst had entered their quarters through an internal door, they came downstairs. As they played Hay Day, an app simulating farm management, they shared resources and took time to interact with new team members, fostering a relaxed environment for discussion and camaraderie.
