THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Climate change has significantly lowered the chances of experiencing a new edition of the legendary Elfstedentocht skating race across frozen waterways in the Netherlands. However, a nostalgic joy filled the air on Friday as the nation turned back the clock to relive the exhilarating 1985 competition on television.
The Dutch public broadcaster NOS celebrated the 40th anniversary of the event by re-transmitting the 12-hour coverage of the daunting 135-mile journey through the eleven cities located in Friesland province. This race traditionally sees thousands of participants starting their journey in the early morning chill, although realistically only about 100 stand a chance to win while the majority aim simply to complete the grueling course.
The last occurrence of the Elfstedentocht took place in 1997, and as climate concerns rise, so does the uncertainty of witnessing this historic event again. On Friday, temperatures at noon in the conclusion city of Leeuwarden reached 14°C (57°F). This stark reality underscores the challenges facing the race’s future.
Recalling the atmosphere during the 1985 race, it was a time of great anticipation mixed with turmoil. Although initially scheduled for January 20, the race was called off due to warmer weather. After weeks of suspense, organizers shocked everyone by confirming just three days prior that the race would happen on February 21, much to the delight of racers and fans alike. Race chairperson Jan Sipkema famously declared, “It sil heve,” meaning “It will happen” in Frisian.
The 1985 edition marked a milestone as it was the first time the event was aired live on television. A trial broadcast the previous day ended in failure as the equipment succumbed to freezing conditions. Nonetheless, the NOS managed to successfully cover the race with an impressive array of 25 cameras, including four motorcycles with sidecars borrowed from a Belgian channel. The fever-pitch interest even prompted the Dutch parliament to suspend discussions on a sickness benefits bill so lawmakers could witness the spectacle.
On Friday, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam joined in the nostalgic tribute by broadcasting the race live in the lounges, complete with screens that provided explanations of the competition in English for international passengers, alongside reminders to keep track of their flights.
The organizers recorded that 16,179 skaters entered the race, with nearly 12,000 finishing successfully. Evert van Benthem clinched victory in the men’s category with an impressive time of 6:47:44—a record that endures to this day. This particular race was also significant for being the first to officially permit women competitors, with Lennie van der Hoorn winning the women’s race in 7:33:58.
The broadcast of the event will continue until 5:30 PM, mirroring the original airing in 1985, allowing a new generation to experience a historic moment in Dutch sports history.
