Davide Ghiotto (Fiamme Gialle) achieved fifth place in the men’s 5000 meters in the last stage of the long track speed skating World Cup in Inzell, Germany, with a time of 6’05″67 in a stratospheric level competition, characterized by the sensational performance of the Norwegian Sander Eitrem, the first man to break the 6 minute barrier over the distance (5’58″52). Also on the podium were the Czech Metodej Jilek (6’01″98) and the Frenchman Timothy Lobineaud (6’03″65). However, for Ghiotto it was the best result of the season in the 5,000 metres, as was Michele Malfatti (Fiamme Gialle) who was seventh with 6’10″53. In the women’s 3000 metres, Francesca Lollobrigida (CS Aeronautica) placed ninth with a time of 4’03″63. The race was won by the Norwegian Ragne Wiklund, author of the new track record (3’54″74) ahead of the Dutch Joy Beune and the Canadian Valerie Maltais. Six competitions will be held on Sunday 25 January. They will begin with the second race of the 500 meters, followed by the mass start and the team sprints. Division B will take place in the morning (starting at 11 am), while Division A will start from 2 pm.
Inzell, Germany, January 24, 2026
Norwegian Skater Breaks 6-Minute Barrier in World Cup Speed Skating
Table of Contents
Sander Eitrem shattered a long-standing record, finishing the 5000 meters in under six minutes at the World Cup in Inzell.
- Sander Eitrem of Norway became the first speed skater to complete the 5000 meters in under six minutes, clocking in at 5’58″52.
- Italy’s Davide Ghiotto secured a season-best fifth-place finish in the men’s 5000 meters with a time of 6’05″67.
- Ragne Wiklund of Norway set a new track record in the women’s 3000 meters, finishing in 3’54″74.
- Six more competitions are scheduled for Sunday, January 25, beginning with the 500-meter race.
The world of long track speed skating witnessed a historic moment in Inzell, Germany, as Norwegian skater Sander Eitrem redefined the limits of the sport. What is the fastest time ever recorded in the men’s 5000-meter speed skating event? Eitrem achieved a groundbreaking time of 5’58″52, becoming the first athlete to break the six-minute barrier in the event. The atmosphere was electric as Eitrem’s performance captivated the audience and fellow competitors.
Italian Skaters Shine in Germany
While Eitrem’s performance stole the headlines, Italian skaters also delivered strong results. Davide Ghiotto (Fiamme Gialle) finished fifth in the men’s 5000 meters, recording a time of 6’05″67 – his best result of the season. Michele Malfatti (Fiamme Gialle) wasn’t far behind, securing seventh place with a time of 6’10″53. The competition was fierce, with Czech skater Metodej Jilek (6’01″98) and Frenchman Timothy Lobineaud (6’03″65) rounding out the podium.
Wiklund Sets New Track Record
The women’s 3000-meter race also saw a record fall. Norway’s Ragne Wiklund blazed across the ice, setting a new track record with a time of 3’54″74. She bested the Dutch Joy Beune and Canadian Valerie Maltais, who completed the podium. Francesca Lollobrigida (CS Aeronautica) represented Italy, finishing ninth with a time of 4’03″63.
The World Cup action continues on Sunday, January 25, with six competitions planned. The day will kick off with the second race of the 500 meters, followed by the mass start and team sprints. Division B events will begin at 11 am, while Division A competitions are scheduled to start at 2 pm.
