Canadian speedskater Isabelle Weidemann claims World Cup silver

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This article was published 19/11/2021 (1387 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

STAVANGER, Norway – Ottawa speedskater Isabelle Weidemann earned a World Cup silver medal in the women’s 5,000 metres Friday.

Weidemann finished second to Irene Schouten of the Netherlands.

The Canadian and Dutchwoman were the fourth pairing in the longest distance in women’s speedskating.

Schouten clocked a track record of six minutes 52.827 seconds ahead of Weidemann in 6:54.953.

Norway’s Ragne Wilklund was third in 6:56.469.

“I’m happy with how my race went today, even though I made some mistakes in the crossovers,” Weidemann said.

“It’s reassuring to be closing the gap with Schouten, who is a very strong competitor.

“I need to go back and make sure I work on the tactical aspects of my race so I don’t make the same mistakes over again.”

Ottawa’s Ivanie Blondin placed fifth.

Weidemann earned silver in the women’s 3,000 in the season-opening World Cup in Poland.

The 26-year-old also helped the Canadian women win gold in the team pursuit in Poland.

“I am focused on looking forward and not getting too caught up in the results right now,” Weidemann said.

“The season is so long, and I learned the last Olympic cycle to hold back a little bit to make sure that I’m not burning myself out too early.

“I hope there is a lot more left in me.”

World Cup racing continues Saturday and Sunday in Stavanger, Norway.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 19, 2021.