Sandrine Tas concluded the last World Cup race of the season in Quebec, Canada on Sunday with a surprising victory in the mass start. Tas, who was once world champion as an inline skater, achieved her first international victory in speed skating.
The 28-year-old from West Flemish won the sprint from a group of seven riders, who had already escaped in the initial phase of the mini marathon. Swiss Ramona Härdi finished second and German Michelle Uhrig third.
The group’s lead quickly grew to almost a lap; the Canadian and Dutch favorites rode a tactical race with a view to the final classification and made no attempt to catch up with the escapees. The World Cup goes to Canada’s Valerie Maltais. Tas remained fifth in the final ranking.
“Seizing opportunities”
The first international victory led to euphoria and thoughtfulness for Sandrine Tas. “Pleased? Of course I’m happy. You get a number of opportunities in life. You have to grab that. I did that today,” said the Ostend native.
When the breakaway of seven riders came about, Tas knew something special was about to happen. “We all wanted to work for it. I did that too. But I also made sure that I had enough left for the sprint.”
The skater, who was a world class skater, acknowledges that the Canadian and Dutch women are simply better in this area. “But that doesn’t mean they can control every match. Canada and the Netherlands had their own interests in this race. The World Cup had to be secured for Valerie Maltais. The Dutch riders did not want to help with that.”
Going to the World Cup with other Belgians
With Isabelle van Elst, Fran Vanhoutte and Mathias Vosté, Tas leaves for Calgary on Monday, 3,000 kilometers west. The final preparations for the world championships are being made there at an altitude of over 1,100 meters. “I’m leaving here with a very good feeling. This is a nice boost.”
Tas was already assured of a ticket for the world distance championships, which start on Thursday, February 15. She will be joined on the mass start by Vanhoutte, who placed fifth in the B group. In addition to the mini marathon, Tas can also start in the 3 kilometers at the 1988 Olympic Oval.
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