Speed skating just witnessed history in the making, and it’s leaving fans in awe. Jordan Stolz achieved an unprecedented hat-trick, while Femke Kok outpaced Jutta Leerdam at the ISU World Cup, proving that the ice is anything but predictable. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: the mass start and team pursuit events turned into a Dutch domination spectacle, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the highlights that have everyone talking.
The chaos and beauty of the mass start races delivered exactly what the home crowd craved. In the women’s race, Marijke Groenewoud, the Beijing 2022 team pursuit bronze medallist, clinched her first World Cup win of the season, outpacing Mia Manganello of the United States and Park Ji-woo of South Korea. Her strategic control of the final sprint showcased why she’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss: Groenewoud’s victory wasn’t just about speed—it was a masterclass in timing and endurance.
Switching gears to the men’s mass start, 39-year-old Jorrit Bergsma proved that age is just a number. The Sochi 2014 10,000m Olympic champion demonstrated his unmatched race sense, breaking away early, biding his time, and striking decisively with just two laps left. His solo finish secured his second World Cup victory of the season, and his triumphant lap around Thialf—mullet fluttering in the wind—was a moment for the history books. Chung Jae Won of South Korea and Bart Hoolwerf of the Netherlands followed with silver and bronze, respectively.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Bergsma’s continued dominance a testament to his skill, or does it highlight a lack of rising talent in the sport? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The final session wrapped up with the team sprint, an event still absent from the Olympic program, where both Dutch squads shattered track records. Their performances were nothing short of breathtaking, leaving fans wondering if this event deserves a spot on the Olympic stage. What do you think? Should the team sprint finally get its Olympic moment?
As the 2025-26 ISU World Cup season continues in Hamar, Norway, from December 12-14, the road to Milano Cortina 2026 is heating up. With rivalries intensifying and records being broken, one thing is clear: speed skating is far from predictable. Who will rise to the top next? Only time will tell. Share your predictions below—let’s keep the conversation going!
