Ragne Wiklund (NOR) wins the Women's 3000m during the ISU World Cup Speed Skating at Arena Lodowa, Poland © ISU
Ragne Wiklund (NOR) edged out Martina Sáblíková (CZE) by 0.8s to win the 3000m in Tomaszów Mazowiecki on Friday night. With her third win in the fifth of six races, the Norwegian secured the long distance World Cup Trophy, taking an unbeatable 72-point lead over second-ranked Irene Schouten (NED), who was absent in Poland. Earlier on Friday, Kim Min Sun (KOR) maintained her undefeated streak in the 500m this World Cup season.
Wiklund keeps Sáblíková at bay
Wiklund was the only woman to complete the 3000m in under 4 minutes and 6 seconds, stopping the clock at 4:05.96.
When Wiklund took to the ice in the final pair versus Isabelle Weidemann (CAN), Martina Sáblíková (CZE) had set the fastest time so far in 4:06.04.
The 22-year-old Norwegian felt confident at the starting line.
“I skated [at a time of] 4:05 at the nationals [Norwegian Championships] not so long ago,” she said, “and that was not in very good conditions either, so I knew that I was capable of skating around that time.”
Ragne Wiklund (NOR) after her success in the Women's 3000m © ISU
Wiklund left Weidemann behind easily, and build a solid lead over Sáblíková’s time. When she entered the last lap she seemed to be cruising to victory, being 1.21s faster than her Czech rival had been at that point.
Sáblíková had skated an exceptionally fast final lap, however, and Wiklund struggled to maintain her pace.
“I died pretty hard in the last laps,” said Wiklund. “My technique was a bit stressed the whole way, so I was really glad that I could keep them together for so long. But I feel like I still have something to go on.”
Crossing the finish line Wiklund had no more than a 0.08s margin left.
“She was very strong and the conditions were really tough,” Sáblíková said. The 35-year-old long distance specialist was happy to be able to be competitive again.
Martina Sáblíková (CZE) in the Women's 3000m in Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland © ISU
“After a long time, I feel great in competition at the 3000m,” she said, “because until now during this season, I had a problem with my leg every time I skated. Now I feel good, so I’m very happy that I can skate normally again.”
Marijke Groenewoud (NED) finished third in 4:07.18s. She had expected to be faster.
“Yesterday I skated three laps in training, all in 31.5 seconds. Those lap [times] came a lot easier than today, so maybe I went out a little too fast. But anyway, I end up third, so it’s not the end of the world.”
Groenewoud did not manage to conquer one of the three Dutch starting slots in the 3000m at the World Cup in Heerenveen, but the 24-year-old still believes that she’s competitive in the distance.
“I’m sixth in the long distance World Cup ranking now,” she said, “and I didn’t even skate the 5000m in Calgary, so I think this distance suits me and this result gives me more confidence towards the future.”
Herzog (AUT) closes in on unbeaten Kim Min Sun (KOR)
Kim Min Sun was the only skater under 38 seconds in the 500m on Friday. Finishing in 37.90s, it enabled the 23-year-old Korean to keep her undefeated World Cup record after five races, but Vanessa Herzog (AUT) inched closer than she had been this season.
Kim Min-Sun (KOR) wins the Women's 500m in the ISU World Cup Speed Skating in Tomaszow Mazowiecki (POL) © ISU
Herzog needed just 0.19s more to complete the distance, finishing second in 38.09s.
“I’ve worked on the start, and a fast lap, the last few weeks towards the World Championships – and I'm getting closer (to Kim),” Herzog said.
“I did really good in the first 50 meters. I was a little in front, but then I lost a bit. On the last straight I could feel that I was getting closer, so my lap is getting there. So it will be an exciting few weeks to come [looking forward to the World Championships in March].”
Vanessa Herzog (AUT) in the Women's 500m at Arena Lodowa, Poland © ISU
Kimi Goetz (USA) came very close to Herzog. The 28-year-old American stopped the clock at 38.11 to take her career first podium in the 500m, after already having taken a silver and two bronzes in the 1000m, and a gold in the Team Sprint previously.
“I was close [to finishing on the 500m podium] in Calgary, but I tend to skate a lot better at altitude than I do at sea level,” said Goetz. “So I’m really happy to have a good race today.
Kimi Goetz (USA) in the Women's 500m in Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland © ISU
“The 1000m is my favorite for sure. I want to be better at the 500 than I am, but my fastest opener is only a 10.5s and these girls go 10.3 or 10.4, so I'm missing that aspect.
“We've been working on it this season, so hopefully I keep getting a little faster.
“It's fun to be in the mix. The girls are pretty close, from second to seventh place, so I was lucky to come out on the good end of it – and be on the podium.”
Program
The first of two back-to-back Tomaszów Mazowiecki World Cups starts with the 1500m and the Team Pursuit for Men, and the 500m and 3000m for Women on Friday. On Saturday the Women will skate the 1500m and the Team Pursuit, while the Men take on the 500m and the 5000m, and the Sunday schedule features the 1000m and Mass Start for both genders.
For all information about the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Series, please visit the webpage here.
World Cup Standings - Men
World Cup Standings - Women
Where to watch
Viewers will be able to watch the World Cup sessions (local time) via their national broadcaster/channel.
For countries where there are no broadcasters, the ISU will offer a live stream on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel. You will find the full list on the Where to watch webpage here.
ISU World Cup Speed Skating Series events 2022/23:
Nov 11 - 13, 2022 Stavanger /NOR
Nov 18 - 20, 2022 Heerenveen/ NED
Dec 09 - 11, 2022 Calgary /CAN
Dec 16 - 18, 2022 Calgary /CAN
Feb 10 - 12, 2023 Tomaszów Mazowiecki /POL
Feb 17 - 19, 2023 World Cup Final - Tomaszów Mazowiecki /POL
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