According to her own statements, it is her 339th World Cup race. But the sporting value is overseeing. As the last of the A group, she is relegated to a weaker group in the World Cup. Another German, who completed the 3000 meters much faster, takes her place.
At the start of the World Cup season, Claudia Pechstein followed the competition in speed skating. The 50-year-old Berliner took 16th and last place in Group A over 3000 meters in Stavanger, Norway. In 4:26.56 minutes, the Olympic champion was more than 23 seconds slower than winner Ragne Wiklund from Norway. Due to the last place, Pechstein will be relegated to the weaker B group for the next World Cup next weekend in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Josie Hofmann was the best German over the long distance. The 25-year-old from Erfurt ran third in the B group in 4:17.43 minutes and will start in Heerenveen in the A group. "That was the highlight today," said national coach Geert Kuiper. The Berliners Michelle Uhrig (4:22.58) and Marlen Ehseluns (4:26.41) were also faster than Claudia Pechstein, who claims to have completed her 339th World Cup race since the 1991/1992 season.
Over 1500 meters for men, Stefan Emele fell short of expectations. The man from Erfurt finished 18th in 1:49.30 minutes and also lost his place in Group A. Sixth in the B group, his club colleague Moritz Klein was slightly faster than the German record holder in 1:49.20 minutes. The winner was Jordan Stolz from the USA with a track record of 1:44.89 minutes. Overall, Kuipers drew a mixed balance. The athletes are in good spirits and their performance is better than last year, but more starting places in the A groups are needed. "There are a few points of light, but they're not that bright," said the Dutchman.
(This article was first published on Friday, November 11, 2022.)
