Tjerk12
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Elfsteden-fever in The Netherlands.
The Netherlands are under the spell of “De elfstedentocht-koorts”. Since 1909 there is a very special sports event in Friesland (that is in the North of The Netherlands). When the weather conditions make it possible (you need a rather long frost period) they organize an amazing skating event. The distance is 200 km and brings the skaters to eleven cities of Friesland. Until now there have been 15 events. The last one was 15 years ago. Last night on the news they declared that “de 22 rayonhoofden bijeengekomen zijn” (the 22 district chiefs are gathered), what means that there may be another event soon.
It is the biggest event of this kind in the world. They start in Leeuwarden, than to Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Staveren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and back to Leeuwarden. The reward is a simple medal, “het elfstendkruisje” (the eleven-cities cross).
There is a maximum of 300 competition skaters, and 16.000 hobby skaters.
The first riders leave Leeuwarden at 06.30 (in the dark).
The last riders often return after midnight.
In 1986 our Crown Prince “Prins Willem Alexander” participated and completed the journey.
In 1963 there were severe weather conditions. You get an impression of that event in the youtube film.
The medal
Willem-Alexander
Just some impressions of skaters in action
The Netherlands are under the spell of “De elfstedentocht-koorts”. Since 1909 there is a very special sports event in Friesland (that is in the North of The Netherlands). When the weather conditions make it possible (you need a rather long frost period) they organize an amazing skating event. The distance is 200 km and brings the skaters to eleven cities of Friesland. Until now there have been 15 events. The last one was 15 years ago. Last night on the news they declared that “de 22 rayonhoofden bijeengekomen zijn” (the 22 district chiefs are gathered), what means that there may be another event soon.
It is the biggest event of this kind in the world. They start in Leeuwarden, than to Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Staveren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and back to Leeuwarden. The reward is a simple medal, “het elfstendkruisje” (the eleven-cities cross).
There is a maximum of 300 competition skaters, and 16.000 hobby skaters.
The first riders leave Leeuwarden at 06.30 (in the dark).
The last riders often return after midnight.
In 1986 our Crown Prince “Prins Willem Alexander” participated and completed the journey.
In 1963 there were severe weather conditions. You get an impression of that event in the youtube film.
The medal
Willem-Alexander
Just some impressions of skaters in action
ented the competition.
