Marijke Groenewoud has once again demonstrated her remarkable prowess on ice by clinching victory at the 2024 Vier van Noord-Holland long track speed skating races. The 25-year-old athlete made history by winning all four marathons held over the course of four days, establishing herself not just as the best female skater of the event, but as one of the most formidable competitors on the circuit.
The competition kicked off across various locations, including Alkmaar, Hoorn, and Haarlem, concluding on Sunday at the Jaap Edenbaan in Amsterdam. Groenewoud's performance was nothing short of spectacular—she accumulated victories with significant leads. Her triumph was characterized by determination and strategic tactics as competitors attempted to challenge her dominance.
“Ik kom voor vier uit vier,” Groenewoud declared confidently before the final race, driven by the ambition to maintain her perfect streak. And maintain it she did, regardless of the hurdles within the race itself.
The last marathon on Sunday presented significantly more challenges than previous races. The pack of competitors was aggressive early on, making several attempts to drop Groenewoud from contention. Despite facing fierce competition, she managed to pull through, illustrating her tenacity and skill. “Maakten het zwaarder dan nodig,” Groenewoud admitted, reflecting on the strategic missteps made by her team early on.
Following her lead, Bente Kerkhoff, Groenewoud’s teammate, executed race tactics effectively to keep the team’s position. They worked collaboratively, as mentioned by Groenewoud, to correct mistakes and regain lost ground as the race progressed.
Despite some early setbacks, Groenewoud's abilities shone through as she stormed past her competitors during the final sprint. The iconic moment came as her competitor Esther Kiel and others pushed aggressively, meaning to create separation from the pack to chase her down only to fall short. Groenewoud praised the efforts of her team, remarking at the end of the race about how the camaraderie helped her succeed against the odds.
While Groenewoud basked in her triumph, the male competitors faced their own drama. The final race for the men concluded with Sjoerd den Hertog crossing the finish line first, but not without controversy. Den Hertog believed he had achieved victory, only to face disqualification due to missteps made by his teammates: “Het was zwaarbevochten,” remarked Den Hertog. He recounted his frustration at being removed from the top position.
Jeroen Janissen initially supposedly won second place but the nuances of the race played out to his detriment too as he found himself shifted down the standings post-race. The disqualification process revealed infractions concerning teammates aiding one another, stirring emotions through the ranks.
“Een gek staartje,” Janissen quipped about the unexpected results as the drama unfolded around him and the podium celebrations. Bart Swings was declared winner of the day after subsequent judging took place, illustrating the unpredictability inherent within the sport.
Despite the challenges faced by others, Bart Hoolwerf of Reggeborgh team secured the overall win thanks to consistent performances over the week. His team dominated early on, becoming the force to be reckoned with among competitors. “Dit is gewoon een dikke overwinning,” he stated after securing his place atop the final rankings, clearly pleased with the results of the week’s races.
All told, the competitive spirit exhibited through the Vier van Noord-Holland races bore witness to the realization of triumph alongside turmoil, particularly illustrated through the contrasting experiences of Groenewoud and her male counterparts. The excitement, emotions, and battles for glory left spectators entertained, and competitors eager for revenge on the track.
The races have showcased not just individual determination but the strength of teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. Groenewoud, having succeeded, plans to continue her momentum heading toward the upcoming Daikin NK Allround Championships, with the lessons learned fresh on her mind. This close encounter with both victory and drama only amplifies expectations surrounding her next performances on the ice.
