Mar 07, 2024 at 7:36 PM Update: a day ago
Femke Kok and Jutta Leerdam seem to be missing out on the sprint world title. After the first day of the sprint tournament, the two Dutchmen are far behind leader Miho Takagi.
Takagi stayed surprisingly close to Kok in the first 500 meters (37.13 to 37.07) and then outpaced her favorite 1,000 meters. With a time of 1.13.32, the Japanese pupil of Dutch coach Johan de Wit set a track record.
Although Kok won the 500 meters in a track record, with 1.14.35 she was more than a second slower than Takagi in the 1,000 meters. In the rankings, she is no less than 46 hundredths behind the reigning Olympic champion in the 1,000 meters, who may also compete in the World All-round Championships on Saturday and Sunday.
Leerdam and Kok seem to be deciding who will win the silver behind Takagi. After a reasonable 500 meters (37.41), Leerdam almost made up for her deficit to Kok with a second time in the 1,000 meters (1.13.71). De Friezin is still two hundredths ahead of Leerdam in the rankings.
“If I’m realistic, tomorrow it will be a battle for silver with Jutta,” said Kok. “Miho is really in top form. I was shocked by her time on the 500 meters. Wow, I thought, that’s really fast. But luckily I kept my head and I was still under her time. I am proud of my track record, because Many champions have ridden here in Inzell.”
Leerdam described her first day as “pretty good”. “I really had no idea where I stood, but my 500 meters were certainly fine. I lost some time in the 1,000 meters, especially in the first 600 meters. But I am happy that I skated more stable today than in recent competitions. Hopefully I can end the season well tomorrow.”
Grevelt is seventh following the first day
A medal does not seem to be an option for Isabel Grevelt. After the first day of the World Sprint Championships, the 21-year-old from North Holland is in seventh place in the interim rankings, more than a second behind number three Leerdam.
The World Sprint Championships consist of two rounds of 500 meters and 1,000 meters. A final ranking will be drawn up following the four races. Both distances are on the program once more on Friday.
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