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Schaatsen: World Cup Qualification News from Thialf

Speed skater Merel Conijn has successfully secured three World Cup tickets during the qualification tournament at Thialf in Heerenveen.

FollowinTrend Desk Nov 3, 2026, 11:45 AM 2 min read AI-assisted

Group of young athletes competing in an exhilarating inline skating race on a track. — Photo: Andry Sasongko / Pexels Illustrative stock photo, not taken at the event.

Quick facts

Merel Conijn secured three World Cup tickets at the Thialf qualification tournament.
Marcel Krommenhoek won the 10,000 meters at the qualification event.
Marijke Groenewoud recorded the fastest time in the 5,000 meters.

Why it matters

The qualification tournament at Thialf is the primary indicator for the Dutch national team's strength heading into the international season. The performance of established stars alongside rising skaters like Merel Conijn highlights a period of transition and high competition within the national squad. These results will directly influence the team's prospects in upcoming international World Cup events.

What happened?

As of November 3, 2026, the speed skating qualification tournament for the upcoming World Cup is underway at the Thialf ice stadium in Heerenveen. The event is attracting significant attention as athletes compete for limited spots to represent their nation on the international stage. Merel Conijn has emerged as a key performer, successfully securing three World Cup tickets after her race in the 5,000-meter event.

Why it is trending now

The tournament is trending because it serves as the definitive selection process for the World Cup season. Fans are tracking the performances of top Dutch skaters as they face high-pressure races to qualify. According to reports from NOS, the intensity of the competition at Thialf has drawn widespread interest from the skating community.

Key facts

Merel Conijn confirmed her qualification for three World Cup spots following her performance in the 5,000 meters, according to NOS.
Marcel Krommenhoek achieved victory in the 10,000-meter qualification event, as reported by NOS.
Marijke Groenewoud set the fastest time during the 5,000-meter race, according to NOS.
The event continues to feature top-tier skaters, including Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting, who are competing for spots in the 1,000-meter distance, according to AD.nl.

Why this is trending in Netherlands

The interest in 'schaatsen' (speed skating) remains high in the Netherlands due to the country's deep historical and cultural ties to the sport. Thialf in Heerenveen is widely considered the home of Dutch skating, and qualification events there are major milestones in the winter sports calendar for local fans.

Background and context

The tournament acts as the primary selection mechanism for the ISU World Cup series. Skaters must perform at their peak during these specific days in Heerenveen to ensure their eligibility for international competition. The results from these races determine the roster for the upcoming season, making every heat critical for the athletes involved.

What happens next

Athletes continue to compete for remaining qualification spots across various distances. With the 1,000-meter events featuring prominent names like Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting still to be decided, the final roster for the World Cup circuit will be confirmed following the conclusion of the tournament at Thialf.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Thialf tournament?

The Thialf tournament is the official qualification event in Heerenveen where Dutch speed skaters compete to secure their spots for the upcoming ISU World Cup season.

Who has qualified for the World Cup so far?

Merel Conijn has secured three World Cup tickets. Other results from the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events include victories for Marijke Groenewoud and Marcel Krommenhoek, respectively.

Why are Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting in the news?

Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting are competing in the 1,000-meter events at the qualification tournament, where five spots are available to be distributed among the participants.

Where is the qualification tournament held?

The tournament is being held at the Thialf ice stadium, which is located in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

What is the significance of the results?

The results determine which athletes will represent the Netherlands in the international World Cup circuit. Athletes must achieve specific performance standards to earn their places on the team.