2013 World Speed Championship: the forces involved

We are one week from the start of the 2013 world championship of speed skating in Oostende, Belgium. Nearly 600 skaters from the whole world will compete on track then on road. We don't want to make predictions but here are some skaters that we will have to deal with...

Par alfathor
Publié le 14 August 2013 - Mis à jour le 11 May 2025 - 8023 Lectures - 0 commentaire(s)

Track or road? Place your bets!

It is no secret: some nations are more specialized in road, others in track competitions. Colombia remains the key-nation of speed skating in the world, with a strong culture of track skating. The country is filled with tracks whereas the quality of its roads is very disparate. Taking part in a national race in Colombia is already facing the highest international level.

The men

The South-American armada should take the lion’s share on the blue track of Oostende. If Pedro Causil (Colombia) takes part, he may be the sprinter of the championship. Still the competitors will have to deal with the 200 m road world record holder, Spanish Ioseba Fernandez, who may be a spoilsport. On races such as the 500 m, the Mulder brothers, Michel and Ronard (Netherlands) will have strong advantages to make the most of.

On long distance races, Bart Swings and Peter Michael should dominate the debate. Let’s not forget Chinese Taipei in great shape since the World Games.

In the Men’s Junior category, German Simon Albrecht (GER) will try to renew the grand slam of the European championships. He will have more tenacious opponents to skate against, especially Colombian Estrada.

The Women

In the Women’s, Chinese Guo Dan is a fast skater with currently a good physical condition. She may impose herself on all the races from the 1000 m. Let’s watch out for formidable Colombian Yersy Puello and her fellow Colombian Paola Segura. They will probably be on the podium.

As for long-distance races, Italians Francesca Lollobrigida and Erika Zanetti will be keen to fight for their titles. Manon Kammiga may also stand out after her 7 medals at the European Championship.

The Powerslide girls Sabine Berg (GER) and Katharina Rumpus (GER) will also have strong cards to play on the long-distance races and the marathon.