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Femke Kok began the new skating season without fellow skater Jutta Leerdam, whose absence she described as unfortunate. Kok said skating was somewhat boring without Leerdam and that Leerdam had made it better.
3 sources
The Dutch speed-skating season began at Thialf with the World Cup Qualifying Tournament, where skaters competed for places at the World Cup events in November and December in Beijing, Obihiro, Heerenveen and Stavanger. A top-five finish was enough for selection. For the first time in 10 years, skaters could also qualify for the World Cup Distances in Beijing at the end of February through the World Cup circuit, provided they finish in the top three after the fourth World Cup and win at least one race in the relevant distance; remaining places will be allocated at the Dutch distance championships in January.
3 sources
The Dutch speed-skating season begins on Friday with the three-day World Cup Qualification Tournament at Thialf. Skaters compete from Friday through Sunday for places in the first series of World Cup races.