Dutch skate race planned
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While sports events across Europe fall victim to the deep freeze, the Dutch are welcoming the drop in temperatures, hoping that the revered "Eleven Cities" speed skating race can be staged later this month for the first time in 15 years.
The race, held along a 125-mile network of canals connecting 11 towns and cities in northern Friesland province, would cause a national frenzy, drawing thousands of participants and more than a million spectators. It was previously held in 1997.
Frisian Eleven Cities Association chairman Wiebe Wieling told a nationally televised news conference Monday that organizers hope to hold the event, known by its Dutch name "Elfstedentocht," but added: "The weather will determine what happens next."
He said ice is still too thin along southern parts of the route over which about 16,000 participants will skate if the race goes ahead.
But the national weather service forecasts freezing temperatures at least through Friday, fueling hopes.
The grueling race is one of the most deeply cherished Dutch traditions. Though people have skated along frozen Friesian canals for centuries in cold winters, the race -- first officially organized in 1909 -- has only been staged 15 times. It is open only to members of the Frisian Eleven Cities Association, which holds a drawing each year to establish who is allowed to take part. The invitation-only nature and its rarity only adds to the allure.
The most recent man to win the race, farmer Henk Angenent, completed the 1997 event in six hours, 49 minutes. The winner of the 1963 race -- which was held in extremely cold and windy conditions -- took just under 11 hours.
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First Published February 7, 2012 12:00 am
