The Alternative Elfstedentocht: Racing Climate Change

Erben Wennemars, 43, two-time Olympic bronze medalist poses for a portrait on January 26, 2019 in Weissensee, Austria. His training regimen in Canada prevented Wennemars from competing in the 1997 Elfstedentocht; he hopes someday he will have the opportunity to complete it. The Elfstedentocht is a legendary Dutch speed skating race and a victim of global warming: it hasn't been held in 22 years; the longest such period since its inception. Beginning in 1989, organizers have held an "Alternative Elfstedentocht" race in Weissensee, Austria, where the ice is reliably thick enough to skate the grueling, 200km tour.

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Contained in galleries: The Alternative Elfstedentocht

Erben Wennemars, 43, two-time Olympic bronze medalist poses for a portrait on January 26, 2019 in Weissensee, Austria. His training regimen in Canada prevented Wennemars from competing in the 1997 Elfstedentocht; he hopes someday he will have the opportunity to complete it. The Elfstedentocht is a legendary Dutch speed skating race and a victim of global warming: it hasn't been held in 22 years; the longest such period since its inception. Beginning in 1989, organizers have held an "Alternative Elfstedentocht" race in Weissensee, Austria, where the ice is reliably thick enough to skate the grueling, 200km tour.