Report #2 Sneek-Stavoren

6:00 am

The first checkpoint is located in Sneek. Soon after the first place where skaters have to 'klune' (walk on the skates) is reached.

Nearby the Waterpoort in Sneek the Committee Elfsteden Nee, a group opposed to the Elevencities tour and all the 'hype' surrounding it, has thrown salt on the water; no serious harm done.

Leading the race at the first kluning point: Bart Hagen, Arnold Stam, Henry Ruitenberg and Yep Kranmer, who bruised three ribs just last week.

There are many bridges spanning the course. There are also several 'secret' checkpoints; last time one of these was located in Dokkum to prevent skaters, mostly leasure riders, taking a right instead of a left turn at the Bartlehiem bridge.

6:40 am

The first skaters are almost in Sloten. After 78 minutes of skating there are five people leading the field.

6:46 am

The leaders arrive at the checkpoint in Sloten. From here on they will cross the Slotermeer, headed for Stavoren. The route over the lake is lit by torches. Sloten looks fantastic with it's bridges and mill all lit up. A huge mass of spectators is cheering the skaters on.
The atmosphere is fantastic. The skaters still have the wind in the back. In the field are Henk van Benthem and Bart Veldkamp. The riders have crossed 40 miles. It is still dark.

6:55 am

From Sloten on to Stavoren, a 29-kilometer stretch. Altogether the skaters are now 71 kilometers into the tour. Hoekstra from Heerenveen breaks one of his skates but keeps going...

7:00 am

Van Barneveld, #106, has to retire from the race. Most likely he has taken a fall.

7:18 am

Due to the lingering darkness it is hard to tell who is leading. The skaters are wrapped up against the cold so much they are hard to recognise.

7:13 am

The leading skaters are on the way from Sloten to Stavoren, headed for the 'Galamadammen'. Still, the riders have the wind in their backs. Once past Stavoren the tour will be much harder due to the strong northeast winds. The cold will be felt!

7:28 am

The leaders arrive in Stavoren. First among them Edward Hagen, Jentje de Glee from Rottum, Yep Kramer, Jan Bakker from Wijnjewouden.
In the second group Arnold Stam, Piet Kleine. Peter de Vries must have taken a fall, judging by the painful expression on his face and the way he clutches his ribcage.