The ISU European Speed Skating Championships 2017, were to be held in Warsaw (POL) on January 6-8, however the Polish Speed Skating Association informed the ISU Council that following some major issues with the venue, they are forced to officially withdraw as organizing Member of the Event.
Despite the short notice to find a new host for the Championships, the Dutch ISU Member KSNB, informed the ISU Council that they agree to host the event in the newly renovated Thialf BV venue in Heerenveen.
Today the ISU Council confirmed that the ISU European Speed Skating Championships 2017 have been allotted to the KNSB and will take place on January 6-8 in Heerenveen (NED).
“We are very happy that the KNSB are able to take over and host the ISU European Speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen. The Dutch have a lot of experience in Speed Skating and we trust that they will do a good job, even if the time to prepare is short” said ISU President Mr. Jan Dijkema.
ISU European Speed Skating Championships format:
Following the decision of the ISU Congress to alternate the format of the ISU European Speed Skating Championships starting in 2017, Heerenveen will host the new format for the first time. In 2017 the Championships format will be Allround and Sprint Combination, Allround Combination are for Ladies 500, 3000, 1500 and 5000m, and for Men 500, 5000, 1500 and 10000m and the Sprint Combination are for Ladies and Men 500 and 1000m skated twice.