Stolz stakes claim as medal favourite for Milano-Cortina in speed skating World Cup qualifiers

Dec 15 : The first four events of the 2025-26 ISU Speed Skating World Cup, which served as qualifiers for Milano-Cortina, concluded on Sunday, with Jordan Stolz reaffirming his status as a multiple-medal contender for the Winter Olympics.

The 21-year-old American dominated the sprint distances, topping the points rankings (SOQCP) in the men's 500 metres, 1,000m and 1,500m, while setting several track records along the way.

He capped his year with a breakthrough victory in the mass start at Hamar, the fourth stage, claiming his first World Cup gold in the discipline. The win secured one of two quota places for the U.S. and put him in contention for a fourth event at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.

Among his challengers, Dutch sprinter Jenning de Boo impressed with podium finishes in the 500m and 1,000m, while Poland's Damian Zurek consistently placed in the top three in the same distances. Both look poised to test Stolz in Milan.

In the long distances, France's Timothy Loubineaud stunned the field by smashing the men's 5,000m world record in Salt Lake City. His performances have positioned him strongly in the 5,000m, 10,000m and mass start, marking him as one of the breakout skaters of the season.

Metodej Jilek, 19, also proved a revelation for the Czech Republic, winning the 10,000m in Heerenveen and breaking a 16-year-old track record in the 5,000m at Hamar. He leads the points charts in both long distances and is also in contention for the 1,500m and mass start.

In the men's team pursuit, the U.S. swept the season, with the Netherlands finishing second. Norway managed to secure its quota place only via the time ranking (SOQCT), despite being the reigning Olympic champions.

On the women's side, Femke Kok dominated the 500m