◆2 sources
After winning gold and bronze at the Winter Olympics in Milan, 40-year-old speed skater Jorrit Bergsma said he is not considering retirement. He does not rule out competing at the 2030 Olympics, which are described as being held at Thialf in Friesland, saying he still has sufficient ambition.
5 sources
Olympic champions Jorrit Bergsma and Marijke Groenewoud criticised the ISU's planned new mass-start format for the coming skating season. Under the format, the last two skaters every two laps will be eliminated until six remain to compete for victory, replacing the previous 16-lap race in which the first finisher won. Bergsma and Groenewoud said the format would be dangerous. Their coach, Jillert Anema, also warned of serious risks. Bergsma, who said the existing mass start was already dangerous, questioned whether he would continue in the event, though he has not made a final decision and plans first to skate the World Cup qualifying tournament.