The ISU is forced to cancel the European championships in short track speed skating

The pandemic strikes again. The  German Speed Skating Association no longer able to present the ISU European short track championships.

By Carl Savard

Photo by Martin Holtom

It is by way of a press release that we learned that one month before the presentation of the European championships, the German federation withdraws from the organization of the event. Here is the full statement sent to the media by the International skating union today, December 7, 2021.

The ISU was informed by the German Speed Skating Association (DESG) that the ISU European Short Track Speed Skating, scheduled to take place from January 14 – 16, 2022 in Dresden (GER) cannot be held as planned. Unfortunately, considering the complicated epidemic situation involving travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, safety concerns and logistical challenges, the organization of the event was extremely challenging. The German Speed Skating Association and the Local Organizing Committee tried their best to find solutions but ultimately concluded that, regrettably, they are unable to organize and hold the event as planned. The ISU regrets that the hosting of the event is no longer possible in Dresden in January. The ISU contacted all European ISU Members to learn potential availability to host this Event and received interest from the Dutch Member KNSB for a possible relocation of the Event in Dordrecht (NED) at the same dates. Unfortunately, despite all efforts made by the KNSB to take over the organization of this Event, the sanitary restrictions made this relocation impossible. The ISU thanks the German Speed Skating Association and the KNSB for their efforts and cooperation.

The ISU Four Continents Short Track Speed Skating Championships scheduled for the same weekend in Salt Lake City are still on the schedule.

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Results of the world hour record attempt of Felix Rijhnen and Mareike Thum

German skaters Felix Rijhnen and Mareike Thum were trying to break the world record for the most distance in one hour on inline skates today at the Geisingen Arena.

Text by Jackob Savard

Photo: Powerslide Racing

Mareike Thum managed to complete more than 170 laps of the Arena Geisingen to establish the new world mark of 34.336 km. Her predecessor was Linda Schellekens who had skated 31.72 km more than 15 years ago. Felix Rijhnen, for his part, wanted to cover at least 38.6 km to set the record, but still had the 40 km mark in his sights. His 201 laps were enough for his first goal, but not enough to reach the 40km mark. Final distance: 39.932 km. ‘’This is definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life," said the German skater a couple of minutes after his performance. The previous record holder Frank Fiers was in the stand to witness Rijhnen's feat.

While the rest of the season is still uncertain, Rijhnen said that thanks to this event he will be able to take something positive out of 2020. 

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Felix Rijhnen and Mareike Thum have their eyes set on a world record

German skaters Felix Rijhnen and Mareike Thum will attempt to break the world record for the most distance in one hour next Sunday at the Arena Geisingen.

By Jackob Savard

Photos: Felix Rijhnen & Mareike Thum’ Instagram accounts

Felix Rijhnen has had this record in his mind for a few years and has always refrained from doing so in order not to jeopardize his international competitive season with the heavy training load that such a challenge requires. The year 2020 seems to be the right one considering that all inline speed skating events have been cancelled because of Covid-19. It was the German Roller Skating Federation that encouraged Rijhnen and his fellow German Mareike Thum to attempt the record. The two world champions will attempt to skate the longest possible distance in one hour on the 200m indoor track at the Arena Geisingen. 

The goal

Although there is no official world record confirmed by World Skate at this time, two past performances are being used as references by the two skaters. In 2005, Belgian Frank Fiers skated 36.51 km on a 400m track. In the same year, Italian Mauro Guenci skated 38.60 km on a road circuit of just over one kilometre. Rijhnen aims to beat Guenci by skating over 38.60 km, while Mareike Thum would like to at least reach the 35 km mark. 

The world record attempt will be livestreamed HERE. 

More informations on Felix Rijhnen's Youtube Channel.

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Dresden Day 3: Canada captures double gold on 500m

Canada had a good day at work in Germany on the final day of competition of the fifth leg of the World Cup season in short track speed skating. 

By Carl Savard

Photo by Martin Holtom

Boutin once again

Kim Boutin's season in the 500m is so far perfect. In addition to having lowered the world record last fall, the Sherbrooke native won her fifth gold medal over the distance in as many visits to the grand final this season. China's Qu Chunyu took the silver medal, while the reigning world champion on the distance, Netherlands' Lara van Ruijven, won the bronze medal. 

On the men's side, Canada's Cedrik Blais managed to qualify for the grand final with an excellent performance in the semifinal eliminating even world record holder Wu Dajing. However, it was his teammate Steven Dubois who had the upper hand in the grand final, winning the event ahead of Hungary's Liu Shaolin Sandor and the young Dutchman Melle van 'T Wout.  Constantly progressing over the last decade, the Dutch team's next wave of athletes showed great things this weekend in Germany. 

Some movement in the World cup rankings on 1500m
On 1500m, Suzanne Schulting won a somewhat messy final to win gold in her favourite distance. This victory combined with the 6th place of China's Han Yu Tong allowed Schulting to move up to the top of the World Cup rankings, a few dozen points ahead of the Chinese. Russia's Sofia Prosvirnova (silver) and France's Tifany Huot Marchand (bronze) accompanied Schulting on the podium. Canada's Danaé Blais won the B final. 


On the men's side, as it was the case for the women, a victory combined with a counter performance changed the season rankings with one competition to go. Korea's Park Ji Won is now in the lead following his victory while his teammate Lee June Seo slides to second place following a penalty in today's grand final. China's An Kai who was ranked 2nd in the standings and who had qualified for both 1500m heats this weekend slipped to 3rd place following his elimination in the semifinals today. Russia's Semen Elistratov (silver) and Hungary's John Henry Krueger (bronze) completed the podium in today's event.

Netherlands and Korea breath a sigh of relief in the relays

On the relay, the Dutch ladies won their first World Cup gold medal of the season, finishing ahead of the Chinese, who currently lead the overall standings. The bronze medal went to the Japanese. On the men's side, the Koreans won their first gold medal of the season on the circuit, having finished second three times and third on one occasion. The Russians finished second today and are still leading the season standings with one competition to go. The Dutch won bronze today, their best result of the season. 

For full results click HERE

For Day 2 recap click HERE

For Day 1 recap click HERE

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Get ready for quite a show in Dresden this weekend

After the Holiday season, the Four continents, European and World junior championships the best skaters from all around the globes are back in action this weekend in Germany for the fifth leg of the 2019-2020 season in short track .

By Carl Savard

Photo by Martin Holtom

Dubois stumbles on 1000m

On 1000m, nothing to declare on the women’s side other than the fact that USA’s Maame Biney will have to go through the repêchage if she wants to compete on the distance this weekend. All the favorites on the men’s side went through except Canada’s Steven Dubois. His teammate Jordan Pierre-Gilles was advanced after being part of one of the only two races on the distance that saw some skaters being penalised (Kruzbergs and Shamukhanov in one and Navarro in the other).

Christie will need the repêchage

On 500m, Elise Christie who hasn’t skate a lot this season due to injuries and health issues will have to go through the repêchage if she wants to take part in the medal rounds during the weekend. On the men’s side, China’s Ren Ziwei will be the biggest absent in the sprint distance. He was penalised in the heat round. His teammate Sun Long, who just won a bronze medal on the distance at the World junior championships, the Australian Andy Jung and Russia’s Pavel Sitnikov also saw their competition on 500m being cut short by penalties. 

A strong showing on 1500m

This weekend’s competition offers two occasions of winning medals on 1500m. Not much to report on either of the two qualification rounds on the women’s side other than the fact that some skaters like Hungary’s Deanna Lockett, Canada’s Danaé Blais and Belgium’s Hanne Desmet were able to qualify for the main event on both. On the men’s side, the actual leader of the World cup circuit on the distance, Korea’s Lee June Seo, qualified on one of the two while his biggest rival this season, China’s An Kai, was able to qualify in both. A situation that could have a big impact on the final ranking of the season. 

Click HERE for full results of Day 1

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Otto, Hofmann, Mende et Acosta au sommet à Gera

La sixième Coupe d’Europe de la saison se tenait le weekend dernier à Gera en Allemagne.

By Jackob Savard

Photo: Thomas Wendt (@freddyrace)

Avec les World Roller Games qui approchent, plusieurs équipes nationales tenaient leurs championnats nationaux ou des camps d’entraînement lors de cette fin de semaine. La Coupe d’Europe de Gera de cette année était donc majoritairement composée de patineurs allemands, mais certains athlètes de la République Tchèque, du Danemark et de la Colombie étaient tout de même de la partie.

Compétition toute allemande chez les dames

La compétition féminine était seulement composée de patineuses allemandes. Angelina Otto s’est démarquée en remportant le 1000m et en terminant 2e à deux reprises lors des courses à points et à élimination. Elle a également pris le 4e rang sur 300m. Josie Hofmann et Sabine Berg ont aussi eu une bonne fin de semaine de course. Hofmann a remporté le 300m et la course à élimination alors que Berg a pris le 2e rang au 300m et au 1000m.

Acosta et Mende au sommet chez les hommes

La compétition masculine a vu le Colombien Camilo Acosta remporter le 300m et le 1000m. Le patineur représentant l’Arena Geisingen a été le seul à s’emparer de deux victoires lors du weekend chez les seniors. L’Allemand Jan Martin Mende qui patine pour Powerslide a offert de bonnes performances remportant la course à élimination, terminant 2e sur 1000m et 3e sur 300m Le Danois Niclas Mastrup a quant à lui remporté la course à points en plus de collecter une 2e place et deux 5e positions.

La prochaine Coupe d’Europe de la saison se tiendra à Wörgl en Autriche du 30 mai au 2 juin.

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Otto, Hofmann, Mende and Acosta on top in Gera

The sixth Europa cup of the season was held last weekend in Gera, Germany.

By Jackob Savard

Photo: Thomas Wendt (@freddyrace)

With the World Roller Games approaching, many teams had their national championships or a training camp last weekend. Because of that, the Gera European cup was mostly composed of German skaters, but some from Denmark, Czech Republic and Colombia were also present.

An all German group in the ladies' competition

The ladies’ competition was all German and composed of almost only RSV Gera skaters. Angelina Otto stood out winning the 1000m and finished 2nd in both the points and elimination races. She also finished 4th on 300m. Josie Hofmann and Sabine Berg also had a good weekend on their home track. Hofmann won the 300m and the elimination race while Berg finished second on 300m and on 1000m.

Acosta and Mende on top in the men’s competition

The men’s competition saw Colombian Camilo Acosta representing team Arena Geisingen won both the 300m and the 1000m. He is the only skater who won two distances during the weekend in the senior category. German Jan Martin Mende from Powerslide had a good competition winning the elimination race, finishing 2nd on 1000m and 3rd on 300m. Danish Niclas Mastrup won the points race and collected a 2nd place and two 5th places.

The next European cup of the season will be held in Wörgl Austria from the 30th of May to the 2nd of June.

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Doping case in long track speed skating

A German long track speed skater is under suspicion in a blood doping case in Europe.

Text: Jackob Savard
Photo: Schaats foto’s

A raid in a hidden laboratory in Erfurt, Germany revealed the existence of an organized international doping network led by sports doctor Mark Schmidt. At least twenty-one athletes from eight countries and five different sports would be concerned. From forty to fifthy 500ml bulging blood bags were seized during the operation. Athletes from triathlon, cycling and skiing are concerned as well as a German speed skater skated at the Olympic games.

Patrick Beckert and Nico Ihle, the two most successful skaters from team Germany, told German media that they have nothing to do with it and that they don't know Mr. Schmidt. "I think it is very unfortunate for the skating world that this subject is in the media. That is unfair for all the clean athletes who practice the sport", says Ihle. Beckert believes that the concerned skater should get a lifelong suspension. We’ll update you as soon as we’ll have more information on the topic.

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Dresden Day 2: Korea and Canada on top / Mascitto on the podium

This weekend, the EnergieVerbund arena in Dresden, Germany is the theater of the fourth leg of the World cup circuit in short track speed skating, and the best actors in the sport offered us a great show on Day 2.

By Carl Savard

Photo by Schaats Foto’s

After a rollercoaster day filled with unfortunate events on Friday, the athletes were battling for glory on 1000m and 1500m today. Some of the teams also had to fight for a spot to compete in the relay finals tomorrow.

1500m: Kim Ji You and Kim Gun Woo win gold

In one of the most exciting 1500m final this season on the women’s side, Kim Ji You from Korea won the gold medal finishing ahead of Canada’s Kim Boutin (silver) and the Netherlands’ Suzanne Schulting. Reigning world champion on the distance, Korea’s Choi Min Jeong, finished 5th but was all smile to see her teammate climb on the highest step of the podium today.

The main final on the men’s side was just as exciting. Frenchman Thibaut Fauconnet, Japan’s Keita Watanabe, 2018 world champion Charles Hamelin and his Canadian teammate Steven Dubois, Italy’s Yuri Confortola and Korea’s Kim Gun Woo and Lim Hyo Jun had to fight to see who would be the three lead actors and who would be the supporting ones. At the end of a hard fought race both Koreans tried to pass Hamelin at the same time, one on the outside and one on the inside, but the Canadian veteran was able to to resist to one of the attacks finishing in second place behind Kim. Lim finishes in third place. After a great race in his semifinal, Canada’s Steven Dubois finished fourth.

1000m (1): A well deserved podium for Mascitto

After a flawless performance in the semifinals on 1000m, Italy’s Cynthia Mascitto fought hard to climb on the podium and get the bronze today in Dresden. Mascitto who grew up in Canada and performed well at every stage of her career before crossing the ocean to continue her path with the Italian team, seemed at ease on the ice today. A good news considering the injuries that bothered her last season. Russia’s Sofia Prosvirnova won the gold medal while Korea’s Choi Ji Yun got the bronze. Canada’s Alyson Charles finished fourth.

Charle Cournoyer from Canada had to fight Hungary’s Liu Shaolin Sandor and Korea’s Hwang Dae Heon, Hong Kyung Hwan and Park Ji Won in an effort to offer Canada its third medal today. The 27-year-old athlete from Boucherville, Canada answered with a performance good enough to win silver finishing between Hwang Dae Heon (gold) and Hong Kyung Hwan (bronze).

Relay: Great Britain in the A final for the first time in mixed relay

When it was announced that the ISU was adding the mixed relay event to its program, Great Britain’s Elise Christie shared with us that she was hoping her country would be able to have a team to participate in the event. It’s with huge smiles that the British team will get on the ice tomorrow in the A final of the event. Korea, Russia and Hungary will try to prevent them from getting on the podium. In the women’s 3000m relay final, Canada, Russia, Korea and Hungary will battle it out. The men’s 5000m relay event will for sure be exciting as Canada, China, Japan and Hungary will be on the starting line next to each other. Hungary will be without Liu Shaoang who badly injured his hand yesterday.

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Will there be only 5 World cup events in short track this season?

The International Skating Union (ISU) shared a news release concerning the upcoming World cup season in short track speed skating and some things still need to be sorted out.

By Carl Savard

Photo by Oscar van den Bosch and Danny Kim

More information on the mixed gender relay event

It’s with a lot of excitement that we recently shared with you how the athletes feel about the new event added to the world of short track, the mixed gender relay. We now have some more details to share with you. We were the only one at the time of the anouncement to tell you this new event would be rewarded at the end of the season like all the other events and we now have the amounts the best teams will receive. The champions of the final ranking will receive 8000$ US while the next four will receive, in that order, 6000$, 4000$, 3000$ and 2000$.

Two more important details were also shared in this ISU communication. We told you the relay order was predetermined and that only a skater from the same gender could cover a fall, but there is more to know about. Here are precisions concerning those rules:

• The order of skating between the 2 Ladies in the Team can be changed from the first time they skate (2,5 laps each) to the second time they skate (2 laps each). The same will apply for the two Men in the Team.

For example, Korea could start their relay with Shim Suk-hee, she relays to Choi Min-jeong, Choi gives the relay to the first man, Lim Hyo-jun who relays to Lee June-seo. The next relay has to be from Lee to a female skater but it doesn’t have to be Shim even though she was first in the previous order, it can be Choi. It’s the same thing for the next female/male exchange.

The second important detail is linked to the fact that only a skater from the same gender should cover in case of a fall. There are exceptions. Here they are:

• If a fall happens during the last corner before a scheduled exchange to a Skater of the other gender (the corner right before 13, 8 or 4 laps to go), then a Skater of the other gender can cover the relay. In this case the Skater taking the relay can just keep on skating until the next scheduled exchange.

• If a fall happens during the first corner after a scheduled exchange to a Skater of the other gender (the corner right after 13, 8 or 4 laps to go), then a Skater of the other gender can cover the relay. In this case that Skater must make an exchange back to the other (proper) gender at the latest in the next straight.

The schedule isn't fully confirmed yet

Like we shared with you last week, the official calendar is out. We know that the season will start in  North America with the first event being held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on the first weekend of November (Nov. 2-4). Calgary, is known to be the place to bring down records and is always an exciting weekend of competition. The following weekend, (Nov. 9-11) athletes will travel to the USA, home of the young upcoming star Maame Biney, for another exciting weekend on a really fast ice surface in Salt Lake City. The World cup circus will then travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan for the weekend of December 7 through 9. Now, let’s jump to the next official weekend. What is for the moment seen as World cup #5 will be held in Dresden, Germany on the first weekend of February (Feb. 1-3). Dresden saw Sjinkie Knegt and Arianna Fontana become European champions last season and the city also held a World cup event the previous season. But what about World cup #4 and #6? For the moment, it looks like Korea and Italy will organise those events but nothing is confirmed yet. The news release states this:

These two Competitions are still to be confirmed. The ISU is working on finding a solution for these competitions to be organized by an ISU Member in the respective regions (Asia, Europe). For the time being, the ISU cannot guarantee that a solution will be found. Any news on this will be announced at the ISU Website without delay.

My sources tell me that Italy is pretty much secured for World Cup #6 (Feb. 8-10) and that we should know pretty soon what happens with the one for which the ISU is in talk with Korea. We could actually end up with a World cup season of five events. We will keep you informed on further developments.

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