Dutch speed skaters announce team changes and injury updates

Dutch speed skater Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong has signed a contract with Schaatsteam Reggeborgh. The allround champion will skate for the team for the next two seasons, with a commitment lasting through the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan. Rijpma-De Jong, 29, moves to Reggeborgh after six seasons with Team Jumbo Visma, stating her ambition is to become an Olympic champion.

Separately, speed skater Joep Wennemars has reported that he is not yet at 100 percent following a groin injury. The 24-year-old Team Essent skater revealed that medical examinations showed a detached tendon. He has had to return to basic training to rebuild his physical condition and noted that the period of forced rest was emotionally difficult.