The Swedish skating star Nils van der Poel made a comeback last month after a three-year break from competition, and then struck the skating world with astonishment when he in German Inzell world year best and became the seventh fastest of all time in the 10,000 meters.
Due to his long absence, however, it looked as if he would not be able to reach the World Championships in 10,000 meters, as all quota places had been filled (5,000 he was already qualified for).
Ready sign today
However, there was a chance that he could take a World Cup place via the reserve list, which was based on the times of 5,000 meters.
And after he took his first podium place at the World Cup yesterday when he drove in at 6.08.39, he took first place.
YESTERDAY: New record by van der Poel:
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Nils van der Poel during the Olympics in South Korea 2018. Today he was noted for the seventh fastest time ever in 10,000 meters.
Photo: TT.
And today came the message from the International Skating Federation: The World Cup place is his, as Japan has chosen to stay at home from the World Cup, and a reserve place was thus opened up.
- It feels great, very fun.
It was an emotional roller coaster when we failed last weekend.
So it was very fun, says van der Poel to SVT Sport.
What are our expectations of you in the World Cup?
- Yes, it's up to you, right?
I hope to go out and have a lot of fun and enjoy good resistance on a fast skating rink with good resistance.
If I can enjoy it, I'm happy.
But I suspect you expect something different, haha.
Yes, it's hard not to do it after your last weeks ...
- Yes I understand it.
"Becomes a medal"
Coach Joel Eriksson has all the higher expectations of his adept.
- I think myself that it will definitely be a medal.
Then he is the favorite together with Patrick Roes at 10,000.
And medal also at 5000?
-Yes, I think so.
Patrick Roest may be difficult to upset, but then there are four or five behind, and Nils is definitely there.
"A reasonable expectation"
When van der Poel hears what David Eriksson has said about his medal chances, he replies:
- Based on ranking times, it is definitely a reasonable expectation to have.
But it should be clear that some Russians have not run any 10,000 races this year, so it is difficult to know where they stand.
Some Canadians have not run any 10,000 races this year, so it is difficult to know where they stand as well.
There is a lot to suggest that it will go very well, but there is a lot that is uncertain as well.
- One day you think you are the best in the world, and the next day you realize that you have crooked skates and feel really bad ... So much changes, but of course there are good chances.
The World Cup starts in Heerenveen, the Netherlands on 11 February.
ARCHIVE: van der Poel disappeared - now he is back (December 27):
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Olympian Nils van der Poel disappeared - now he is back