Valérie Maltais took part in a first 500m since 2022 on Saturday at the All-Distance Long Track Speed Skating World Championships. Despite preparation that was limited to say the least, the Quebecer posted the best time of her career in this event, good for 13e rank.
His last race over this distance took place at the All-Around Worlds two years ago, a few weeks after the Beijing Olympic Games. It was therefore with a certain lightness that she took her place on the starting line at the Max Aicher Arena in Inzell, Germany.
“It’s a distance I don’t skate often! I would have liked to do it this season, just to practice a little, but it goes by quickly and with all the events, I have to choose, Valérie Maltais shared with Sportcom. I couldn’t wait to do one, I knew I had good speed. »
She stopped the clock at 39.35 seconds.
“I think I would have been able to go a little faster. It’s rare that I try to reach my maximum speed. I don’t know what it is yet! I had a few steps that weren’t in sync to begin with. It would have taken me a little training, but I’m very happy with this race. »
The Japanese Miho Takagi won gold, faster than the Chinese Han Mei by 45 hundredths of a second. Ayano Sato, also from Japan, completed the podium.
Valérie Maltais then skated the 3000 m and finished in 6e rank. Paired with the Norwegian Ragne Wiklund, future bronze medalist, she clocked 4 min 1.35 s and finished 5.63 seconds behind the Dutch Joy Beune, gold medalist. The latter beat her compatriot Marijke Groenewoud (+2.22 seconds) to win.
“I felt good before the 3000m, so I decided to attack it. I lacked a bit of legs at the end, especially in the last lap, but overall it was a good race,” commented Maltais, who was disappointed with her tenth place at the World Championships in Calgary, last month.
“I’m really happy to be here,” shared the one who temporarily occupies number 9e rank in the general classification for all distances. Marijke Groenewoud is in the lead, followed by Joy Beune and Miho Takagi.
“I didn’t have all the sensations I would have wanted at the Worlds. There is good energy here and the motto at the end of the week is to have fun. To enjoy the world of speed skating, the crowds and to interact with other athletes. This is what will ensure that I will remember my experience as much as possible,” concluded Valérie Maltais.
A 1500m event awaits him on Sunday at the All-Distance World Championships. After which the first eight in the general classification will be able to participate in the 5000m to conclude the event.