It is freezing this week and that makes the Dutch dream aloud of the Tocht der Tochten. After 24 years, the freezing cold sets in and hearts beat faster. No corona, no curfew, but a sense of freedom. It has been on January 4, 1997 since the almost 200 kilometers long Elfstedentocht in Friesland could take place. However, the organization itself made it clear that the legendary journey cannot come in the form we know. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Mark Rutte wants to investigate what is possible.
Especially on social media, the call to keep the event going is loud. But also on the radio the former world champion long track speed skating Erben Wennemars said it would be an ideal diversion. The tour through eleven Frisian cities can only continue with an average ice layer of 15 centimeters over the entire length of the route. During the last weather report from Piet Paulusma from his beloved Harlingen, there was little or no ice to be detected. For that it has to freeze firmly and for a long time, but Piet firmly believes that he will come. Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and outgoing Minister Ferd Grapperhaus gave more explanation in a press conference on Monday about extending the curfew until March 2, but it was also announced that there is an investigation into whether skating competitions on natural ice are allowed without an audience.
We can perhaps learn from the Thialf regime. Skaters and guides, I estimate about 200 people together, will then have to give up something about their freedom, but I think they are willing to do so.
We have to see whether the way in which Thialf has dealt with a small number of top skaters can also be applied to the marathon skaters, when they can manage on natural ice. The parties involved will see what is possible and Rutte hopes to be able to update on this in the coming days. The KNSB itself also points to the series of long track competitions it has organized in Thialf. The ministry expects the results of the meetings sometime in the coming days and emphasizes that the talks are not about the Elfstedentocht. That is an event and it is prohibited, just like any other event.
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