MINSK, Nov. 16 -- Two-time world all-round champion Patrick Roest of the Netherlands started his 2019/20 season with a track record victory in men's 5,000m at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in the Minsk Arena here on Friday.
The Dutch crossed the finish line in six minutes and 16.615 seconds to beat the previous mark of 6:19.17 set by fellow countryman Sven Kramer whose lead-up to the new season was hampered by a bike accident in October. The four-time Olympic gold medalist only registered a 13th finish, the first time he failed to make it into the top 10 in the event.
Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands came second in 6:22.297 while Denis Yuskov of Russia had a bronze in 6:22.543. World champion Sverre Lunde Pedersen of Norway, who was also affected by a bike accident before the World Cup, had to settle for a disappointing 14th place.
The Dutch was also victorious in men's and women's team sprint. With a stellar team of Ronald Mulder, Kai Verbij and Kjeld Nuis, the world champion won the men's event in 1:21.163, edging China by 0.16 seconds. Michelle de Jong, Jutta Leerdam and Letitia de Jong helped the Netherlands beat Russia, winner of last season, in 1:29.230.
Elsewhere, three-time Olympic gold medalist Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic narrowly missed the women's 3,000m podium, which saw Isabelle Weidemann of Canada on top with a result of 4:04.679. Dutch Olympic champion Carlijn Achtereekte clocked 4:05.153 for a silver ahead of Ivanie Blondin of Canada.
The World Cup will continue on Saturday with women's 500m and 1,500m events, as well as men's 1,000m and mass start.