After an exciting season with events in Nagano (JPN), Beijing (CHN), Calgary (CAN), Milwaukee (USA) and Tomaszów Mazowiecki (POL), the ISU World Cup Speed Skating 2024/25 Series culminates this weekend in Heerenveen (HOL). The iconic Thialf Stadium will be the stage where the last trophies of the season will be decided, with more than 10,000 fans ready to witness the outcome. Here’s why this promises to be a historic weekend and why no speed skating fan will want to miss it.
JACKSON AND WÓJCIK IN CLOSE BATTLE
The women’s 500m promises to be one of the closest races of the finals. Erin Jackson (USA), the current leader with 422 points, will defend a 10-point lead over Andzelika Wójcik (POL). Jackson, who has had an up and down season due to a back injury, will be hoping to maintain her position in the final two races.
Yukino Yoshida (JPN), third in the standings with 392 points, is also in contention for the trophy. The Japanese started the season with two wins in three races, but her absence in Tomaszów Mazowiecki left her somewhat behind. On the other hand, Femke Kok (NED), world champion and favorite at her home track, will be looking to shine in Heerenveen, although her overall ranking was affected by missing the first events of the season due to a viral infection.
GHIOTTO AND EITREM FACE TO FACE
In the men’s category, the 5000m will be the scene of an exciting duel between Davide Ghiotto (ITA) and Sander Eitrem (NOR). Ghiotto, reigning World Cup champion, leads the standings with 282 points, only six points ahead of Eitrem. Both skaters have dominated the season, with Ghiotto winning in Nagano and breaking the 10,000m world record in Calgary, while Eitrem took gold in Beijing, Milwaukee and Tomaszów Mazowiecki.
The outcome will depend on who wins the final race in Heerenveen. Ghiotto prefers to skate ahead of his rival to set his own pace, while Eitrem expects a direct confrontation on the track.
WIKLUND AND LOLLOBIGRIDA IN THE FRAY
In the women’s long distances, Ragne Wiklund (NOR) leads the standings with 45 points ahead of Francesca Lollobrigida (ITA). Wiklund, who won gold in the 3000m in Poland, arrives in Heerenveen with back discomfort, but is confident of her fitness to secure the trophy.
Merel Conijn (NED) and Joy Beune (NED) also have a mathematical chance, although they would need exceptional results to overtake the leaders. In the women’s Mass Start, Marijke Groenewoud (NED) has already secured the trophy after winning four of the season’s five races.
MEN’S MASS START OPEN
The men’s Mass Start remains an unknown. Bart Hoolwerf (NED) leads with 224 points, but Bart Swings (BEL), Timothy Loubineaud (FRA), Andrea Giovannini (ITA) and Daniele Di Stefano (ITA) are all within 20 points of each other. Swings, who has won the trophy five times, will be looking to regain his crown, while Giovannini will have a busy day with Team Pursuit before the Mass Start.
THRILLING WEEKEND IN HEERENVEEN
The ISU World Cup finals in Heerenveen will start on Friday, February 28 with the first 500m races and the 1500m for both categories. On Saturday, the 1000m, the women’s 3000m and the men’s 5000m will be contested. On Sunday, the event will conclude with the Team Pursuit, the second 500m race and the Mass Start, as well as the Mixed Gender Relay.
