Wennemars makes his debut in pursuit, reserve Otterspeer stays at home

Joep Wennemars will make his debut in the Dutch team in the team pursuit at the World Cup races in Nagano (November 22-24). This was announced by national coach Rintje Ritsma, who also starts Beau Snellink and Chris Huizinga.

Wennemars replaces Patrick Roest, who is struggling with the after-effects of a extracted wisdom tooth. For that reason, the veteran already withdrew from last weekend’s qualifying tournament and also missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in Nagano and Beijing, China (November 29-December 1).

Ritsma had Bart Hoolwerf and Harm Visser in mind for the men’s mass start, but the latter withdrew due to a knee injury. Jorrit Bergsma takes the vacant position.

Hein Otterspeer will not yet travel to Japan and China as a reserve. The 36-year-old sprinter announced this on Instagram. Otterspeer recorded the fifth fastest time in the 1,000 meters in Heerenveen and thought he had received a starting ticket for the World Cup.

However, the skating association decided to give that ticket to Kjeld Nuis, who could not start the qualifying tournament due to a groin injury. Otterspeer therefore misses out on the starting ticket.

“I am very disappointed with the KNSB’s decision, that is clear,” said the four-time Dutch sprint champion.

“I consulted with the staff and decided not to travel to Japan as a reserve. It would be better for me to train here in the Netherlands and save myself a long trip to Asia. That is the best choice for me.”

Yesterday Otterspeer announced that he was not at all happy with the KNSB decision: