Pictures from Ice Speedskating

The Utrecht City Bokaal is an event for dutch skaters who did not made it to the world cup cirquit and need some qualifying. Not only did the winnar get the Dom Bokaal, but the skaters could also earn a place at the Dutch Sprint Championship and the fastest 2 times would earn a place at the Aegeon Qualification Tournament for the Olympics.

It was the first time I went to the Vechtebanen in Utecht and off course I arrived late. I forgot my tomtom so I had some problems finding the place, so halfway in the 500 meter for ladies I entered the icerink. The icerink of Utrecht is partically covered and is know as not so fast.I stettled into the corner and tried to take some pictures of the ladies. The light was off course poorly and chatting with some other speed skating people was not so good for my concentration.

Before we knew it, the day had already finished. Times were not so spectacular and I had trouble keeping track of who's who. To my own humble opinion I think I know quite a lot of skaters, but some names were even for me completly new. New suits, new skates and new glasses, it takes effort to get to know the skaters.

Lotte van Beek, junior took the lead with the ladies Event and Michel Mulder settle in first position with the men's event when day 1 came to an end. I was not sure if I would go for day 2, but as I had a good time at the icerink, I decided to go to Utrecht again on sunday. I was not feeling so well and it was a lot colder than the day before, so I was freezing a little. Maybe I'm spoiled with all my indoor events, but it can be cold standing close to the ice and not moving around a lot.

Day 2 was a lot nicer, because by now, I recognized more skaters and this makes it a little bit easier for me. We were with quite a big group as we had a small meeting of the dutch skating forum at the UCB. Most people I already met numerous times before but there were some new faces.

Eventhough Sophie Nijman won the 500 meter, Lotte van Beek still won the Utrecht City Bokaal Title, bringen a huge smile on her face, which was nice to see.

With the Men's event, Michel Mulder succeeded his brother Ronald Mulder by winning this years event. All in all, a nice event and I think I will go again next year if I have the possibility!