ISU European Short Track Speed Skating Championships Boleslaw
Europe’s best short track speed skaters took the ice this weekend in Made Boleslaw, Czech Republic for the 2012 ISU European Short Track Speed Skating Championship. Arianna Fontana of Italy was once again crowned the ladies European Short Track Speed Skating Champion, while Dutch skater Slinkier Knelt earned his first ever European Championship title. Jorgen Tar Mors of the Netherlands finished second overall in the women’s event, with Martina Valcepina of Italy taking third.
A total of 26 countries were represented for this 3-day event this weekend, with the scheduling having the athletes compete in the 500, 1000, 1500 meters distances, with the top points earners after three events competing in a 3000m Super Final. The championships closed with the relay events.
The weekend began with the 1500 meters events. In the ladies competition, Arianna Fontana began her quest for the European Championship title with a win in the event, finishing ahead of Jorgen Tar Mors of the Netherlands. Martina Valcepina of Italy was third. On the men’s side, Dutch skater Slinkier Knelt took the win the 1500 meters, finishing ahead of Russian Semen Elistratov. Niels Kerstholt (NED) was third.
In the ladies 500 meters event, Arianna Fontana took her second win in as many days, edging out her teammate Martina Valcepina. Third place finish went to Andrea Keszler of Hungary. In the men’s 500 meters event, Vladimir Grigorev of Russia skated across the finish in first place, ahead of a duo from Great Britain, Jack Whelbourne and Jon Eley who came in second and third respectively.
The ladies 1000 meters event was won by Jorgen Tar Mors. Bernadett Heidum of Hungary finished second ahead of Veronique Pierron of France. On the men’s side, Fauconnet finished first ahead of Knelt. Third place finish went to Evgenii Kozulin of Russia. For both Fontana and Fauconnet (FRA), their wins in this event was enough to secure them the overall win in the European Championship title race.
With both the ladies and men’s championship titles up for grabs entering the 3000m event, there was some exciting racing ahead. While Fontana had a comfortable lead going into the last race, she took no chances and won the 3000m event, clinching her second consecutive European championship title. Second place finisher was Tar Mors while Olga Belyakova of Russia was third.
Europe’s best short track speed skaters will join the rest of the world as the ISU World Cup Season resumes in Moscow, Russia on February 3-5, 2012.
