Joep Wennemars (NED) performs during the 2022 ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Innsbruck, Austria. © ISU
Since the introduction of the Junior World Cup in the 2008/2009 speed skating season, many future stars had a first taste of international competition in this series. Joep Wennemars (NED) is a perfect example. The Dutch youngster dominated the series last season and already took his first medals this season in Heerenveen. The Junior World Cup starts with two legs in Seinäjoki, Finland, on 27-27 November and 3-4 December, and concludes with a final event on 4-5 February 2023 in Inzell, Germany.
Llop (ESP) shifts to neo-senior category
With Wennemars having left the Junior ranks, the floor is open to new talent, but some of last year’s big names are still eligible for this season’s junior races. Nil Llop (ESP) also left the junior ranks to try his luck with the neo-seniors this season. With nine medals (3G, 4S, 2B) in the Junior World Cup last season, Llop, 2020 Youth Olympic Champion, gave the Wennermars good competition.
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Nil Llop (ESP) performs during the 2022 mens 1000m ISU World Junior Speed Skating Championships in Innsbruck, Austria. © ISU
The Spanish talent beat Wennemars to win the boys’ 1000m at the first Junior World Cup weekend, missing out on the following two because he competed in the the B Division of the Senior World Cup.
Other competitors to look out for in the men’s competition are Tim Prins (NED), who won in last season’s 1500m Junior World Cup ranking, and Emil Pedersen Matre (NOR), who came second in the 1500m.
Norway’s Sigurd Henriksen (NOR) won last season’s 3000m. Although still eligible as a junior, he already stepped up to the seniors this season, setting a new new junior world record in the 5000m in 6:17.67 at the second Senior World Cup this season in Heerenveen on 19 November. He is not on the start list in Seinäjoki.
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Sigurd Henriksen (NOR) performs during the 2022 ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating in Innsbruck, Austria.© ISU
Dauranova and Groenewoud still in junior ranks
In the girls competition some of last year’s big names are still eligible a juniors this season. Alina Dauranova (KAZ), who topped the 1500m ranking last year, is on the start list again.
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Alina Dauranova (KAZ) performs during the 2022 womens 500m ISU World Junior Speed Skating Championships in Innsbruck, Austria. © ISU
Jade Groenewoud (NED), who took three gold medals at last season’s Junior World Championships is also back.
Age groups and eligibility
Participation in the Junior World Cup is open to Junior A and Junior B Skaters, born between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2006 as per ISU Rule 108, and to Junior C Skaters born between July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007.
Participation in the Neo-seniors division is open to Skaters born between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2002.
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