Canadian Peter Doucet provides a look into the world of speed skating. Online since March 1999, Speed Skate World (used to Peter's Inline Racing Web Page) provides the skating world with results, photos, news, gossip, and just plain fun! Contact Peter Doucet at shaloheat@hotmail.com
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween, 100k Results, Link, MSI Series, Haarlem KNSB #4 Pics, USA LT Fall World Cup Trials Pics, Videos, Sierra Boots
Happy Halloween: Happy Halloween- I hope it is very scary for you. Make sure you don't eat too much candy! I won't... :(
100k Results: Click here for The GodFather's 100 Kilometer Challenge results.
Looking At IT, Short Track World Cup Pics, USA LT World Cup Trials Blogs, More Videos
Looking At IT: I like Jacky Schu's most recent entry; Sunday Training (IT Version). It's a pretty neat way of looking at a training session. Jacky writes;
'So I translated Sunday training into this: Pre-condition: climbed 20 floor 5 times Input: 30km skating on flat smooth surface, 60km cycling on steep hills Output: dead legs, cramp calf...almost'
Short Track World Cup Pics: If you Click here, you'll find many pictures from this past weekend's short track world cup in Kobe, Japan.
Germany's Tysen Heung leads the 1500-meter B final at the Samsung short track world cup #2- Kobe, Japan- photo from Japan Skating Federation
USA LT World Cup Trials Blogs: If you're looking for some 'insider' perspective from some of the competitors who took part in this past weekend's USA long track fall world cup trials, you need to look no further from Andrew Love (see ) and Pascal Briand (see new personal best 1500m). I love how Andrew Love writes, it's very eloquent and right to the point. His writings hit the core of what I think; he accuralty says 'P.S. It is worth mentioning, that as much as speedskating might hurt, its still just sports, there are many more awful things'.
Pascal Briand (France) and Roger Schneider (Switzerland)- photo from BRIAND Pascal
More Videos: Here are a couple of videos to get you by on this day that we call Tuesday... unless you're reading this on a day that is not Tuesday. Video #1- Nederlands Baantitels 2007 Sat- press play below-
100k, US World Cup Trials, Rainbo Redesign, EGCSkates- Boots & Shoes, It's Getting Cold, Speed Skating Canada, Essent Cup #2, St Connerré, More Videos
100k: The Inline Planet has a good report on the Godfather's Inline 100K Challenge. In the report, you'll find these words 'Thinking they were done (and glad to be — after nearly three hours on the racecourse), they milled around the finish line for several minutes. Humphrey and Fedak started the Team Safe celebration while Patino changed his infant son's diaper'. To see pictures, click here
'Team Safe won the prestigious California Cup Inline Race Series'- photo and caption from 1flatworld
Speed Skating Canada: I am quite sure that by now, you're well aware that this weekend was the trials for the Canadian world cup team. See all the results. Jordan Belchos placed 6th in the 10000, and according to the same results, Pavel Kulma set a world record with a time of 0.00. If you'd like to see a funky profile of Jordan Belchos, click here- Jodan Belchos.
More Videos!: Yes that's right, as you know, the internet is a rich source of information, entertainment, and time usage. Let's get on with it; click here for a video in which Bont's Alexander Bont explains the 3-point system.
This Weekend: Lots of racing results for you to read up on. The Canadian world cup trials are under way- see the results. Jordan Belchos and Andrew Godbout placed 12th and 13th (10th and 11th in Canada) in the 5000 with times in the low 6:40's. The USA fall world cup qualifiers are also taking place- see the results- note that Josh Wood finished 10th (7th in USA) in the 5000. Finally, don't forget to stop by and check out the Samsung ISU World Cup #2 (Kobe, Japan) results. The Netherland long track distance championships are this weekend. See Skate Podium's day 3 live updates.
Il Peloton & Copa Chiapaneca: Are you planning your 2008 roller season already? If so, you may want to consider a trip to Mexico along with Il Peloton's Copa Chiapaneca Mexicanidad. Click here and here for more. This trip can probably only mean good times!
LT Links: Here's a few long track links of interest just for you on this beautiful Sunday- NOS Schaatsen and TVM's page. You can read Pieter A. Dykstra kind comments on the page and on skating.
Biggest Advantage: skater83's question 'Which of these skills/traits gives a skater the single biggest advantage in a race?' spawned a good discussion in Biggest Advantage.
Junior women racing on the track at the 2007 world roller speed skating championships in Cali, Colombia- I took this picture right after a 15- (or so) skater pile-up, and IMO the girls who fell did not have the biggest advantage! You can watch a video of the race here
The USA long track world cup qualifiers are taking place. You should be able to find results here- I notice there's quite a few names from roller speed skating, including Jessica Smith, Alexis Contin, Pascal Briand, Jilleanne Rookard, Chris Creveling, Sebastien Cano, Stephanie Combs, Erin DiJulio, Jono Gorman, Roger Schneider, Terrence Almond, and Josh Wood. Andrew Love placed 20th in the 500-meters sprint with a time of 37.78.
Jessica Smith's scar from her operation after he crash in the 1000-meter final at the 2007 world roller speed skating championships- photo Linda Wood
The Netherland long track distance championships are taking place this weekend. You can check out Skate Podium's day 1 and day 2 live updates.
Long Track News (Canada, USA & Skate Podium): The Canadian long track world cup trials are taking place this weekend- click here for all the updated results. You may notice that Meaghan Buisson placed 9th in the 1500-meter distance. Jeremy Wotherspoon is back racing after a break, and he clocked a 34.31 in his 2nd 500-meter sprint. See Wotherspoon fastest in Calgary return.
Excuses & Tomorrow: I put Aaron Arndt's Excuses, excuses... and Andrew Love's Tomorrow... in the same category because I find they fit quite well together- excuses help you put things off until tomorrow (what a connection eh?!).
Here's a taste of what you'll get when you decide to use the links; Aaron writes 'I have a really great idea for my next series of posts. The series will be called: 'Peloton Politics'. I’ve always felt like one of the big things missing in the skating world is a real inside look from the pros...I always thought the coolest articles in skating were written by “Skater X” in the old newsprint style Speed Skating Times, where he would call out skaters, give insight into the true elite scene, and simply tell it like it is (was)....' while Andrew Love writes '...So here’s to Mike, and everyone who steps to that start line, and throws down their best, even if it’s not 'good' enough.'. Brilliant stuff guys!
Last week, Jacky Schu joined Aaron Arndt on one of Aaron's roadskates- see Cycling Pack. Jacky wrote about his experience, saying 'Yesterday, I joined Aaron Arndt's road skating. We had 4 cyclists: Petey Light, Dean Arndt, Eric Mass and myself; Aaron was the only skater'.
Venezuela Games: Click here for an article that talks about the Colombian crew that will competed at the upcoming Venezuela national games.
Netherlands Distance Championships: Skate Podium is on top of the live coverage of the Netherlands long track distance Championships. click here for more.
World Cup ST: See the post World Cup ST Action to read Ryan Leveille's thoughts on the short track world cup. He writes 'Long track is a bit more laid back, and more of a camaraderie is built with everyone because we are not racing each other, we are racing ourselves. Short track on the other hand, we are racing each other and practicing against each other. It is a very intense situation for everyone. So at times it can be very difficult on our mental state'.
Ask Bill Begg & ILQ 9 Review: Click here for the Inline Planet's latest Ask Bill Begg article, which talks about starting a young daughter in speed skating.
Erik Hulzebosch Flashback: Here's a nice article recently posted on Cado Motus which also contains some history of skating; Erik Hulzebosch Flashback.
Koshi & Fires: Here is the latest on Glenn Koshi and the fires of California; he writes 'There are skaters here who have had more harrowing experiences than me. Joe Prescott, who lives in the heart of where this Witch Creek fire started...had to fight off flames, while on his roof with a hose. Score: Joe 1, Fire 0. Let's hope the flames don't head back to his house, but now with the shift in winds...'.
Good morning from beautiful Mississauga (that's where I live). Things have been really busy here with work and applications for bursaries and getting my training back on track. I have a plethora of news stored on my computer at home. I have a few minutes now to post some stuff; I am supposed to be teaching grade 1 right now, but they have gone on a school trip to a pumpkin farm! How fun!
France's Julie Despaux leads his heat at the 2007 world championships
Despaux posted a message, saying 'Hi, I'd like to tell everyone who has read this forum, that I was not considered as positive after the first part of the test. The analysis of testosterone is based on a ratio : testo/episto (or T/E). The limit of the WADA is 4 and I was 6,9 in Cali.
The problem of this simple analysis is that a ratio can increase by two ways: or by increasing the first value (testo) or by decreasing the second (epitesto).
I had ever that kind of problem with doping test in the past and it was proven that my testosterone is naturally provided by my body (by IRMS analysis you see if the production is endogene or exogene). Moreover, an endocrinologist said me that it was a lack of epitestosterone that made my ratio increasing.
So all the anti-doping doctors know that kind of case (as someone told in this forum) (it seems to happen to 1%of people). Today, you're not considered as positive after the only analysis of the ratio and they have to do complementary analysis with IRMS to know if the higher level is natural or not.
I have to say that yesterday I had the confirmation I was waiting for about the fact that it's natural, and the test is negative...
One advice for everybody who can read it: don't suspect or insult anyone before to know exactly what's going on...it could be a 'bummer' for you too'.
Two EGCSkates Entries, Skating Zombies, Defi Report, Speed Rules, Love- Video From Master Worlds, World Cup 2008, Lots Of Videos
Two EGCSkates Entries: For you Eric Gee fans, you'll be happy to find that his site, EGCSkates has a couple of recent entries that you might find interesting; see Lastest Photos of Version Three and Of Bikes and Skates- here's a preview of what you will find; Eric writes 'you’re like me, you will scrutinize photos in an attempt to figure out how to solve some challenges. Each boot-maker uses a slightly different design and each have very unique ways of going about solving common problems. One of the key discoveries that I made while sketching ideas was to take a look at the background of these boot-makers. So I started digging a little deeper, trying to find out more about them'.
Skating Zombies: I always find October a very exciting month, what with hallowe'en and other such celebrations. If you come to my house to trick-or-treat on October 31st, you'll hear scary music, the front entrance to my house will be foggy thanks to a smartly-purchased fog machine, there will be black lights, leaves all over the place, candles, and most importantly, lots of candy... and I'll be hiding in the bushes scaring the crap out of the children who dare come to my house, hehe.
Well, in the spirit of hallowe'en, I'll mention a few important things now. The Toronto Zombie Walk took place this past weekend. Candy Wong, Ed Leung, and Mike Lin were in attendance and created the Toronto Zombie Roll. Pretty cool eh?
Glenn Koshi Update: Bont's Glenn Koshi has been caught up in the California fires situation- he recently wrote in Glenn Koshi California fires - 'Anyway, thanks again to everyone who has called, emailed or just wondered. Thanks to my team for everything they've been doing. Thanks to Neal S, who picked me up at the airport at 10:30pm last night to drive me home. Neal, by the way, had his Bont skates packed in his vehicle...he's in the evacuation area also...along with his important belongings'.
Speed Rules: The thread New Speed Rules has been fairly active. Check it out.
Love- Video From Master Worlds: Andrew Love's latest entry is called Video from Masters Worlds- his site is always a good read and his videos a good 'watch'! He writes an important message- 'I strongly encourage 'older & wiser' athletes to try and skate some of these races if you can. I’ve raced the Inzell event twice, as well as Hamar & Davos. It’s just tons of fun & incredible memories from the 'world-cup for working folks''.
World Cup 2008: The thread World Cup Topics for 2008's most recent post by Bill Begg features Joey Mantia- Begg writes 'No it was not a defeat, it was a lession to be learnt by others, Joey took it on the Chin & finished. He had to endure others passing him at the start sniggering about his wheel choice, then as Joey said after, hell I never passed anyone till after the halfway mark, as everyone was passing me, but he showed good sportsmanship in finishing'.
Lots Of Videos: There's so many many many skating videos out on the internet. I love it! Here's one of Derek Parra in 2003 at the Disney Marathon.
Glenn Koshi & California Fires: 'Just wanted to let everyone know that Glenn Koshi will have limited communication access for the next few days and is under an evacuation notice due to the fires spreading across his area'. Click here for more.
2007 A2A start line
Equipment Equipment!: I've been competing in roller speed skating since 1993. The 14+ years that I've been involved in competing have seen equipment innovations and flops. It's been a very exciting time period to be involved in racing and I can only wonder what the next advancements are.
Videos Videos!: Do you have a lot of time to kill and do you want to spend that time watching videos? Are you at work pressed for time and tying to get a peek at what videos are out there? Great! Here's a few that you'll enjoy-
The Berlin Marathon, which took place in mid-September was contested in rainy and slick conditions. I am sure a lot of people could have used the rain skating tips. What? You want to see a video of the event in the rain? Click here to see for yourself.
Skating in the rain during the relay at the 2006 OutGames in Montreal
ST Harbin World Cup, Weekend Ice Marathon Recap, More Long Track News, Roller Results- Italian Inline Cup & Trofeo Internacional A.D. Astur Patin
ST Harbin World Cup: I'd like to start today's SSW entry with a video of the men's 1000-meter A final from this past weekend's ISU short track world cup from Harbin, China. Check out the 2:55 mark in the video when Steve Robillard passes two Korean skaters, it's pretty impressive to a mortal like I. Click here or press play below-
Weekend Ice Marathon Recap: I can't come close to covering long track ice marathon races like Skate Podium does. What's good though is that I don't have to do the work of putting up the results of taking pictures and shooting videos because it's all there ready to be linked up.
Have fun exploring the following links; this first article talks about an encouraging start for the Essent Cup.
'and here is 1350 meters in, swimming in a boiling vat of lactic acid...'- caption and photo from Andrew Love
If you're a results guru, then check out the October 20th time trial results from Salt Lake City- if you dig deep enough, you'll find the results for Pascal Briand and Roger Schneider in the men's 5000-meter.
Leading up to the Netherlands distance championships, Sven Kramer is showing good form by setting a track record in the 3km distance at the KNSB training competition- read more. Click here for the full results.
Click here for results from a long track race in Berlin- a few roller speed skater names in this one for those of you that are interested.
Roller Results: The Italian Inline Cup stage #7 took place in Capri. Click here for the results.
Defi De L'Ile De Montreal Report- Including Video & Photos
Defi De L'Ile De Montreal Report- Including Video & Photos: If you translate the words Defi De L'Ile De Montreal from french to english, you get the Montreal Island Challenge.
The most basic explanation for this event is as follows; start at 6am, follow the little yellow arrows that take you on the bike paths for 128km around Montreal island, don't slip on the leaves, and finish in one piece.
Here are just a few things about the event that I'd like to mention; - Ed Leung fell twice in the first 10km- once thanks to the slippery leaves and then due to a big branch - A couple of young Colombian brothers (13 and 15 years old) who live in Montreal took part- they had no food or water! We stayed together for about 3 hours. I was speaking with Martine Charbonneau, and she told me that they fell a couple of more times later in the event and they also got lost! She event lent them money to buy food! - I managed to set the course record by 1 minute- it was 5:06 set by Mehdi Cherif in 2002- now I have the honour of holding the best time which is 5:05 - Nicolas Ratthe skated the whole 128km's backwards in about 8 hours 30 minutes; he found it very hard due to the wind! He has already skated the Defi and A2A backwards - There was a lot of wind lots of leaves on the path during the start, it also rained during the Defi - Martine Charbonneau- this year's A2A winner and course record holder for A2A & the Defi didn't participate today. Instead, she volunteered her time, driving a support vehicle and working at the 4th check-point - There was basically no hills except for a couple about 1 1/4 hours into the event - How the event developped; Jonothan Royer skated away from the chase group right from the start. Over the first hour and a half, he took an 11-minute lead. Meanwhile, the chase group formed with about 10 skaters; one by one, skaters fell off the pace. When Ed Leung fell for the 2nd time, I waited for him, and tried to help him back into the group, but his skate was broken. At the 1 hour 15 minute mark, the two Colombian skaters and I left the chase group and made an effort to close the gap. The younger Colombian skater fell, so his brother and I waited for him. From the 1:40 mark onward, I did most of the pulling. We were stopped by the police, and I had to explain what we were doing. He seemed somewhat angry, but he let us go on. We caught up with Royer at about the 2 hour 45 minute mark when he was sitting on the grass resting. We stopped, chatted for a bit, and then I skated the rest of the Defi solo. Royer came in about 20-minutes after me, and 3rd place Joel Stitt outsprinted 3 other skaters at about the 6-hour mark.
Early on at about 6:10am- bright and early. To think that I had to get up at 4:30am for this event, ugh!
self-picture about 1 hour 30 minutes into the race- the chase was one; the lead pack skated a fairly easy pace for the first part of the event, which allowed Jonothan Royer to build an 11-minute lead. When these two Colombian kids and I learned that the gap was that big, we hunted him down. About 2 1/2 hours into the Defi, my two chase-mates had 'fallen' off the pace and I caught Royer, who was sitting down on the side of the road. We chilled out for a while...
...and here we are; the Colombia skaters caught up, and I think they were happy to be stopped but they also found it strage that we were stopped. It's fun when the whole lead pack stops to talk and take photos... sadly, the two Colombian brothers got lost later in the Defi
These arrows painted on the road were the skaters' life-lines; as long as you saw them once in a while, you knew you were on the right path
The downtown Montreal skyline; a very very welcome sight!
Post event drinks thanks to Joel Stitt!
Early finisher times
Ed Leung's bloody leg- 2 falls, 2 sets of skates, and 128km's later
The joy of finishing in a group!
Friendships are formed while supporting each other is critical
Sherbrooke's Nicolas Ratthe after skating the Defi backwards
This whole group finished together- I assume they skated together as well
While I was driving back to Morgane Echardour's place to sleep and shower and eat, I spotted some more skaters navigating Montreal's streets
