A Sporting Hell During World War II

When I say sporting hell, I don’t mean a hell caused by war violence, but caused by a sporting event during extreme weather conditions. The Dutch always loved their sports, especially ice skating is very popular, Something like a war would not even stop that.

The Elfstedentocht (English: Eleven Cities Tour) is a long-distance tour skating event on natural ice, almost 200 kilometres (120 mi) long, which is held both as a speed skating competition (with 300 contestants) and a leisure tour (with 16,000 skaters). The Elfstedentocht is the ice-skating tour in the world. The event is in the province of Friesland in the Northeast part of the Netherlands. The scheduling is only after a prolonged period of severe frost.

After the Sixth Eleven Cities Tour in 1940 and the Seventh Eleven Cities Tour in 1941, virtually no one expected two years in a row organization again. However, in the winter of 1941/42—the frost was even more severe than in the previous two years. Objections that the German occupation would not make the race possible were, as in 1941, put aside. Taking part in sports was not made impossible for political reasons. After all, it fitted in with the German philosophy that physically strong boys could later be useful for the Arbeitseinsatz.

On 22 January 1942, after a long spell of frost, the Elfstedentocht was held again. As many as 4,800 skaters signed up. The atmosphere was extraordinary. Being together in Friesland, free from the Germans with their rules and bans, gave the participants a feeling of solidarity. The Germans could barely comprehend the Dutch fervency for the skating marathon. Given they had little control over the crowded event, they chose not to interfere. In 1942, Sietze de Groot of Weidum won the race. He skated the 200 kilometres in a record time: 8 hours and 44 minutes. Like all the others since 1912—the names—Auke Adema and Sietze de Groot—were engraved on the coveted silver trophy cup that passes from winner to winner, which is still the custom today.

In contrast to the year before and the first five editions of the Eleven Cities Tour, the route raced in the opposite direction and would always return that way afterwards. The route was not well marked everywhere, which meant that entire groups took a wrong course in the darkness of night—eliminating many favourites. Sietze de Groot, an excellent short track rider from Weidum, Netherlands, knew the way. De Groot, with Dirk de Jong from Huizum and Jan van der Bij from Julianadorp in North Holland, sprinted for victory in Leeuwarden. De Groot was by far the fastest.

It took them nearly 9 hours to finish the race—9 hours in severe frost.

Sources

Elfstedentocht Challenge Cup

https://www.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20210117_58796059?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

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A sports challenge during WWII

The Dutch take their sports serious, despite what happens in the world. It is part of the Dutch psyche to not give up,keep going regardless(although looking at the recent performance of the Dutch National football team, you might be forgiven for thinking differently)

Despite being occupied by the Germans the Dutch felt compelled to organize the skating marathon called “De elfsteden tocht” (Eleven cities tour)

A skating marathon, almost 200 KM (120 mi) long, which is held both as a speed skating competition (with 300 contestants) and a leisure tour (up to 16,000 skaters). It is held in the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands, leading past all eleven historical cities of the province.

The tour is held  only when the natural ice along the entire course is at least 15 centimetres (6 in) thick.When the ice is suitable, the tour is announced and starts within 48 hours. In 1941 and 1942 it was felt the Marathon skating event had to be held because of the harsh winters which made the ice perfect.The Germans did allow it but did put severe restrictions in place.

In the early morning hours of 6 February 1941, 1900 people fastened on their skates. The race of all races was about to begin: the Elfstedentocht The weather was relatively mild (0.0 °C/32 °F)and the ice looked inviting. But there were also some concerns. An imposed blackout meant a large part of the race would have to be skated in the dark, making it very difficult for many participants. The Frisian skater Auke Adema finished first.

On 22 January 1942, after a long spell of frost, the Elfstedentocht was held again. As many as 4,800 skaters signed up.

The atmosphere was very special. Being together in Friesland, free from the Germans with their rules and bans, gave the participants a feeling of solidarity. The Germans could barely comprehend the nation’s fervour for this skating marathon. Given they had little control over the crowded event, they chose not to interfere. In 1942, Sietze de Groot of Weidum won the race. He skated the 200 kilometres in a record time of 8 hours and 44 minutes. The temperature was significantly lower in 1942 (-11.7 °C/10.94°F)

Ironically during this grueling sporting event  the contestants felt humanity again, a sense of freedom despite occupation.

Like all the others since 1912 the names of Auke Adema and Sietze de Groot’s names were engraved on the coveted silver trophy cup that is passed from winner to winner, which is still the custom today.

The last time this race was held was on 4 January 1997. Although in 2012 the conditions were ideal, at the last minute it was decided not to go ahead with the race.

An “alternative Elfstedentocht” has been held every year in January since 1989 on the Weissensee in Carinthia, Austria.

Donation

I am passionate about my site and I know you all like reading my blogs. I have been doing this at no cost and will continue to do so. All I ask is for a voluntary donation of $2, however if you are not in a position to do so I can fully understand, maybe next time then. Thank you. To donate click on the credit/debit card icon of the card you will use. If you want to donate more then $2 just add a higher number in the box left from the PayPal link. Many thanks.

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