International speed skaters have gathered at the Max Aicher Arena in Inzell, Germany, for summer ice training as they prepare for the 2026-2027 season.
According to ISU, the annual summer ice sessions in the Bavarian town attract top athletes aiming to build on past achievements. Notably, Norwegian skater Sander Eitrem, the first skater to complete the 5000m in under six minutes and a recent Olympic and World Allround champion, is among those training on the ice. The Norwegian team combines on-ice practice with strength conditioning and mountain cycling to maintain peak fitness during the offseason.
The training environment also provides opportunities for interaction between current champions and retired legends. For example, 2026 World Allround champion Ragne Wiklund of Norway reunited with retired Olympic champion Irene Schouten and multiple World and Olympic champion Martina Sáblíková at the Inzell arena.
In addition to national teams, athlete Bjørn Magnussen, who recently earned a bronze medal at the European Championships, is now training with Team Essent under coach Jac Orie. This change highlights individual athletes’ adaptations in their training approaches as they prepare for the coming season.
Apart from ice preparations, cyclists including Team Reggeborgh’s Kjeld Nuis and Jenning de Boo partake in friendly competitions on cycling platforms, demonstrating how mountain cycling complements skating training.
Olympic champion Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong also utilizes Inzell’s facilities to train for speed skating and pursue ambitions in track cycling, aiming to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Meanwhile, Polish skater Damian Żurek expressed renewed enthusiasm for the sport after returning to summer ice sessions, highlighting the motivational aspect of these training camps.
