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Spectators in the Thialf stadium in 2016. Photo: Depositphotos.com Professional speed skaters and coaches have suggested the Thialf ice stadium in Heerenveen has tampered with the air vents to give skaters an unfair advantage, the AD reported at the weekend. The 600 vents around the rink are used to create ‘a curtain of air’ between the stands and the ice rink to prevent moisture from affecting the ice. Normally positioned to blow the air straight up, they have now been changed to create a tailwind straight into the skaters’ backs, putting in doubt record speeds achieved at the stadium, skating pundits claim. ....
Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra tweeted a picture of himself ice skating with one of the country's top athletes. But the Christian Democrat leader faced criticism that he had broken coronavirus regulations. ....