Christian Haasjes and Marijke Groenewoud claimed victory at the 2024 Dutch National Marathon Skatings Championships held on January 1 at Thialf, Heerenveen, carving their names as national champions. Each showcased remarkable endurance and strategy, standing out amid fierce competition.
The men’s marathon race was filled with challenges, particularly for Christian Haasjes who found himself battling against seasoned competitors like Jorrit Bergsma. Haasjes executed his final sprint perfectly; he clinched victory by outpacing Bergsma, ensuring his first national title. “I’m really happy with this victory,” he said, radiantly discussing his achievement.
Bergsma, aiming for his third national title, was left with silver—a close second. “It was a heavy race,” Bergsma reflected. “The disappointment prevails. We came here to win.” His comment underlined the intense anticipation surrounding the event, indicating how valuable the title meant to him.
Haasjes's performance added to the excitement of the event, signifying his ascent as one of the top skaters. He faced difficulties throughout the race but emerged victorious after attacking Bergsma's earlier sprint attempt, leaving him and the audience energized with his decisive finish.
Finishing just behind this duo was Lars Woelders, who secured the bronze medal. Woelders' strategy to remain positioned favorably throughout the race bore fruit, confirming his potential for future championships. After the race, he expressed mixed feelings: “This is my first time on the podium, but I feel like I could have had more.” His personal achievement reveals the competitive spirit of every skater aiming for top spots.
The women’s competition showcased similar intensity, driven by Marijke Groenewoud, who stepped up as the favorite. After 100 laps, Groenewoud powered through to secure her spot as champion, winning her tenth marathon this season. “I’m really delighted with this victory,” she said, following her win. Her triumph builds on the legacy of Irene Schouten, who held the title for eight consecutive years prior to stepping away from the sport.
Bente Kerkhoff and Kim Talsma followed Groenewoud, securing silver and bronze, respectively. Talsma, reflecting on her third-place finish, remarked, "This is my first medal; I didn’t have one yet," conveying her delight and the significance of achieving podium placement.
Controversy surrounded the championships when the KNSB, which governs the sport, pondered allowing long-distance skaters to compete alongside marathon specialists. Following protests from other teams, the governing body reversed its decision prior to the competition, aimed at preserving fair competition.
Team leader Peter de Vries discussed the impact of the illness affecting their star skater, Harm Visser, stating, “The illness of Visser was felt by the entire team.” His absence shifted the dynamics for the day, prompting the remaining team members to adapt quickly to the competition structure.
The championships not only highlighted the individual performances of Haasjes and Groenewoud but also brought to light the team dynamics and strategies within marathon skating. With the victory fresh and the season just beginning, both champions are poised for more successes as they continue competing, eagerly accumulating the accolades on their path.
This year's Dutch National Marathon Skatings Championships proved to be not just about individual glory but also about the intense competition and team spirit. Each participant left their mark, setting the stage for future races.