Mike Schapendonk, an accountant from Den Bosch, made his first descent in a two-man bobsled in Lillehammer on Wednesday. He and pilot Tobias Janssens completed three runs at speeds of more than 100 kilometres per hour. Schapendonk was selected after testing organised by the Bob- en Sleebond Nederland and had trained on a push track in Winterberg, but had not previously descended an ice track in a real sled.

The pair plan to complete four consecutive training weeks to gain experience and improve their cooperation. Schapendonk said that competing at the 2030 Olympic Games in La Plagne no longer felt like a fairy tale, although he said he was not yet dreaming about it. Janssens, who had previously competed at junior level, said the first run in Lillehammer had been very intense and had caused him nervousness.