Stolz Faces Rising Competition as Heerenveen World Cup Looms
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The 2025 ISU World Cup in Heerenveen promises thrilling competition as speed skating’s elite converge, with all eyes on defending champion Jordan Stolz and a new wave of challengers. The upcoming event will test Stolz’s dominance and showcase emerging talent poised to disrupt the established order.
The American skater opened the 2025-26 World Cup season with a dominant performance, securing victories in the 1000m, 1500m, and 500m in Salt Lake City. He continued his winning streak in Calgary, adding another 1500m win, a 1000m gold, and a 500m bronze to his tally. Stolz arrives in Heerenveen with an unblemished record in the 1500m this season and appears to be in peak condition across all distances.
The Closing Gap: Sonnekalb’s Challenge
Despite Stolz’s impressive form, the competition is intensifying. Eighteen-year-old German skater Finn Sonnekalb is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. Sonnekalb’s resume already boasts three individual gold medals from the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 and multiple junior world titles in the 1000m and 1500m.
On November 15 in Salt Lake City, Sonnekalb broke Stolz’s junior 1500m world record, earning his first World Cup podium finish. He then pushed Stolz to the limit in Calgary, finishing just 0.21 seconds behind the gold-winning time. Their burgeoning rivalry has elevated the anticipation for the 1500m race in Heerenveen, which is shaping up to be a highlight of the weekend.
De Boo Dominates the Sprints
In the sprint events, Dutch skater Jenning de Boo is the athlete to watch. The 21-year-old reigning 500m world champion has a strong track record on his home ice at Thialf. On October 31, 2025, de Boo became the first skater to break the 34-second barrier in Heerenveen, setting a new 500m track record of 33.98. He also holds the world record for the combined 2x500m at the same venue. Currently near the top of the 500m World Cup standings, de Boo is expected to benefit from the enthusiastic support of the home crowd.
Long-Distance Contenders Emerge
The long-distance races will feature a compelling battle between several top contenders. Casey Dawson, an Olympic bronze medalist from Beijing 2022, has emerged as a serious threat after a stunning victory in Calgary. Dawson’s 27.5-second final lap secured him the 5000m title and propelled him to the top of the World Cup standings.
He will be joined by Sander Eitrem (Norway) and Ted-Jan Bloemen (Canada), the PyeongChang 2018 10,000m Olympic champion, both of whom arrive in Heerenveen in strong form and poised to compete for a spot on the podium.
The 2025 ISU World Cup Heerenveen promises a captivating display of speed and skill, with established champions facing a determined new generation of skaters.
