Russian Speed skaters Olga Graf and Denis Yuskov took the first medals over the recent 31 years, both in women’s and in men’s Championships in a classic all-around at the World Cup Speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen (Netherlands). Graf won the silver medal and Yuskov took the bronze.
Olga scored 161.315 points after four distances. At the distances of 3,000 and 5,000 meters two-time bronze medalist of the Sochi XXII Olympic Winter Games, took third place and she finished second in the 1,500m. It’s only in the 500m that the Russian athlete has become 12th, but that did not prevent her from finishing among the three best on the all-round results.
Russia’s Julia Skokova remained one step away from the podium with 162.946 points. During the World Cup she took two medal places – at distances of 500 and 1,500 meters, where she became second and third, respectively.
Ireen Wust of the Netherlands became the World champion in the classic all-around with 158.615 points, and the third place was taken by her compatriot Yvonne Nauta – 162.488 points.
Denis Yuskov mounted the third step of the podium in the men’s championships with 150.030 points. During the tournament the Representative of the Russian Federation won at his favourite distance of 1,500 meters, became second in 10,000m and third in 5,000m, and in 500m he took 11th place.
Koen Verweij of the Netherlands won with 149.365 points, followed closely by his compatriot Jan Blokhuijsen – 149,600.
Russia’s Sergey Gryaztsov, who first participated in the World Cup in a classic all-around, took 12th place with 112.406 points.
