When I say “sporting hell,” I don’t mean the suffering caused by war or violence, but rather the challenges of participating in a sporting event under extreme weather conditions. The Dutch have always been passionate about sports, with ice skating holding a special place in their hearts. Not even a war could diminish their love for it.
The Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) is a legendary long-distance ice skating event held in the Netherlands. It spans approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) and takes participants along a route that connects eleven historic Frisian cities in the province of Friesland. Skaters traverse frozen canals, rivers, and lakes in a grueling test of endurance, speed, and skill.
The event can only be held when the ice is at least 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick across the entire route, which requires sustained freezing weather. Due to these conditions, the Elfstedentocht is rare; the last official race occurred in 1997. When it does take place, it captures the imagination of the nation, drawing both professional athletes and thousands of amateur skaters, as well as millions of spectators.
The tour is organized by the Friesche Elf Steden association, founded in 1909, and has become a cultural phenomenon. Completing the tour within the strict time limits is considered a monumental achievement, with participants earning a prestigious cross medal as a keepsake
After the Sixth Eleven Cities Tour in 1940 and the Seventh Eleven Cities Tour in 1941, virtually no one expected two years in a row organization again. However, in the winter of 1941/42—the frost was even more severe than in the previous two years. Objections that the German occupation would not make the race possible were, as in 1941, put aside. Taking part in sports was not made impossible for political reasons. After all, it fitted in with the German philosophy that physically strong boys could later be useful for the Arbeitseinsatz.
On 22 January 1942, after a long spell of frost, the Elfstedentocht was held again. As many as 4,800 skaters signed up. The atmosphere was extraordinary. Being together in Friesland, free from the Germans with their rules and bans, gave the participants a feeling of solidarity. The Germans could barely comprehend the Dutch fervency for the skating marathon. Given they had little control over the crowded event, they chose not to interfere. In 1942, Sietze de Groot of Weidum won the race. He skated the 200 kilometres in a record time: 8 hours and 44 minutes. Like all the others since 1912—the names—Auke Adema and Sietze de Groot—were engraved on the coveted silver trophy cup that passes from winner to winner, which is still the custom today.
In contrast to the year before and the first five editions of the Eleven Cities Tour, the route raced in the opposite direction and would always return that way afterwards. The route was not well marked everywhere, which meant that entire groups took a wrong course in the darkness of night—eliminating many favourites. Sietze de Groot, an excellent short track rider from Weidum, Netherlands, knew the way. De Groot, with Dirk de Jong from Huizum and Jan van der Bij from Julianadorp in North Holland, sprinted for victory in Leeuwarden. De Groot was by far the fastest.
It took them nearly 9 hours to finish the race—9 hours in severe frost.
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