This week, no (inter)national pop stars appear on the Ahoy stage, but the best shorttrackers in the world. Rotterdam hosts the World Short Track Championships from 15 to 17 March. In this article, we list the Dutch participants, programme, NOS broadcast times and all other relevant information for you.
The Dutch Lottery ISU World Short Track Championships presented by Odido will be held in Rotterdam for the second time. In a churning Ahoy, the shorttrack men became 2017 world relay champions thanks to stunning passing moves by Sjinkie Knegt, who earlier in the tournament became the first Dutchman to take an individual world title and won silver in the all-round classification. Suzanne Schulting also stood out, taking bronze in the 1000 metres.
Next weekend, the Netherlands will defend five world titles. Xandra Velzeboer was the strongest in both the 500 and 100 metres in South Korea in 2023. On willpower, the weary Suzanne Schulting captured the 1500-metre world title. The women’s relay and mixed relay were also golden.
Which shorttrackers will represent TeamNL?
This edition, eyes will once again be on the women.Velzeboer already proved to have a great sprint in the World Cups and her teammate Selma Poutsma is little better than her at the shortest distance. Although Suzanne Schulting missed the first part of the season, she too has been on the World Cup podium this winter.
Among the men, Jens van ‘t Wout is captain of the team, although he is still struggling with an ankle injury. With a special skating shoe and the extra rest he has received, he will want to peak at the tournament in his own country. Friso Emons and Teun Boer, both good for individual silver at the European Championships, will also want to set the best races of the season in Ahoy.
The World Championships in Ahoy will conclude with the royal number: the relays. The Dutch women are favourites for the title, having won five of the six World Cups this winter. With three victories, the mixed relay also did well internationally. The men performed more erratically, but with good races they can compete for places of honour.
