Netherlands: Dutch clean ice to raise chances of skating race - Mike Corder

Volunteers poured onto frozen rivers and lakes in the northern Netherlands on Tuesday to shovel away snow that is one of the major hurdles in the way of a grueling speedskating race being held for the first time in 15 years.

Helpers arrived from as far afield as Amsterdam, more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) away, to clear the ice after organizers of the Elfstedentocht, or 11 Cities Tour, warned that snow that fell Friday was hampering ice growth.

Their enthusiasm reflected the Elfstedentocht fever that has gripped the Netherlands amid speculation that the cold snap that has brought misery to much of Europe could deliver ecstasy to the Netherlands in the form of the race being skated for the first time since 1997.

The ice must be at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) thick over the entire 125-mile (200-kilometer) track that winds along canals, rivers and lakes in the northern province of Friesland before the 16,000 competitor event can go ahead.

For more: Dutch clean ice to raise chances of skating race - KTAR.com