Alternatieve Elfstedentocht

Written by T Dobbin

Today was the second race of Natural Ice held in the Weisensee, Austria. Today's race was the alternative race of the famous 11 cities event held here in the Netherlands. Unfortunately it wasn't cold enough in the Netherlands for this race... the biggest of all speed skating races in the Netherlands, so it was held in Austria.

It was a 200 kilometer event for both the men and the women. It's a tough race and only the toughest finish! The mens race winner was Safans Casper Heilling finishing solo to take the victory of this grueling race in a time of 5 hours 37 minutes and 50 seconds. Second place went to Douwe de Vries from Adformatie in a time of 5 hours 38 minutes and 5 seconds and in third place to win the sprint of the peleton was DSB Bank's Jan Maarten Heideman in a time of 5 hours 42 minutes and 15 seconds.

The ladies winner went to Daniella Bekkering of Frisia in a time of 6 hours 42 minutes and 29 seconds.

For more information and results from the Weisensee go to http://www.weissensee.nl/

Tomorrow there is another race on the event schedule with an 70 kilometer race.