Even on his favorite 500 meters, the reigning European sprint champion will have to work hard. With Thomas Krol, Dai Dai N’tab, Hein Otterspeer and the upcoming talents Stefan Westenbroek, Joep Wennemars and Janno Botman, the competition is fierce. Another serious competitor, Kai Verbij, has withdrawn from the Dutch Championships with an injury. Kjeld Nuis lets the 500 meters shoot.