‘Nice preparation for the Olympic Games’

Tilburg Set to Host european Short Track Championships as Dutch Focuses on Olympic Prep

Tilburg, Netherlands — Dutch short track speed skaters arrive for the European Championships with a mission defined by the milan 2026 Winter Games: this weekend is about final Olympic readiness, not just medals.

team leader xandra Velzeboer urged that the event carries a different value this season, calling it a meaningful final tune-up for the Olympics rather than a straightforward medal chase.

National coach Niels Kerstholt confirmed there is no fixed medal objective. his message: skate with precision, and demonstrate well‑prepared overtaking moves that sharpen the team’s “weapons” for the Games.

Jens van ’t Wout, one of the leading Dutch skaters, acknowledged he may ease off the front and stay with the peloton more often as he eyes Milan. He intends to test new racing styles and faces the challenge of countering top rivals, such as Italian Pietro Sighel, to keep his edge.

Velzeboer, the season’s European champion, emphasized that the priority is maintaining the right feeling and form ahead of Milan. She also hinted at a broader goal: enjoying a second Olympic appearance alongside sister Michelle Velzeboer in a setting that could help cap her career on a high note.

The Dutch Olympic team, including Suzanne Schulting, will be present in Tilburg to gauge performance and experimentation before the Games in Italy. The gathering underlines a long-term strategy: treat Tilburg as a crucial stage in Olympic readiness rather than a stand-alone title bid.

What’s at stake and what to watch

There is no explicit medal mandate. Instead, coaches and athletes aim to deliver rapid, well-executed overtakes and creative race tactics that could translate into a stronger run at Milan.

Van ’t Wout plans to test a less aggressive front position and seek opportunities to disrupt opponents, notably against strong contenders like Sighel. The approach signals a broader shift in how some athletes view European titles this season.

Velzeboer stresses consistency in feeling and form, noting that good vibes from Tilburg will be a reliable predictor for how she approaches the Olympic stage.

Tilburg’s event is also a live showcase, with NOS broadcasting all European Championship action on Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 PM via NPO1, NOS.nl,and the NOS app.

Key Fact	Details
Event	European Short Track Championships
Location	Tilburg, Netherlands
Focus	final Olympic preparation for Milan 2026; emphasis on technique and race sense rather than medals
Notable athletes	Xandra Velzeboer, Jens van ’t Wout, Suzanne Schulting (part of the Olympic team)
Olympic link	Event serves as last international test before the Milan Games
Live coverage	NOS broadcasts on NPO1, NOS.nl, and the NOS app from 1:30 PM on both days

Live coverage and how to follow

Television and online streams will cover all matches from Tilburg, with NOS providing network broadcast on NPO1 and digital platforms NOS.nl and the NOS app. This setup gives fans a chance to track how Dutch skaters implement new strategies ahead of Milan.

Engage with the story

Question for readers: Should European Championships be treated primarily as a medal event or as a strategic preview for the Olympics? Question for readers: Which race strategy would you like to see the Dutch team test this weekend against top competitors?

Readers are invited to share their perspectives in the comments below and join the conversation as the Dutch team navigates this pivotal preparation stage.

Two rapid takeaways for the road to Milan

1) The event doubles as a critical tactical rehearsal, where coaches push for crisp overtakes and adaptable race plans. 2) A strong performance in Tilburg could translate into sharper competitive instincts when facing the world’s best at the Milan Games.

As the weekend unfolds, fans can expect a blend of technique refinement and strategic experimentation from the Dutch squad, all aimed at arriving in Milan with peak, game-ready form.

Share your thoughts and predictions as the European Championship unfolds in Tilburg.

Disclaimer: This report covers sporting events and athlete commentary. For medical or legal inquiries, consult official sources.

Nice Preparation for the Olympic Games

1. Core Pillars of Olympic‑Games Preparation

Pillar	Why It Matters	Typical Milestones
Infrastructure & Venues	Ensures safe,world‑class competition spaces	• Stadium design finalised → groundbreaking → test events 2 years before Games
athlete Training Programs	Maximises performance and reduces injury risk	• National high‑performance centres open → selection camps → pre‑Games simulation
Logistics & Transportation	Guarantees smooth movement of participants and spectators	• Integrated mobility plan (public transit,shuttle lanes) → pilot runs 6 months prior
Sustainability & Legacy	Meets growing demand for eco‑friendly events	• Carbon‑offset targets set → green venue certifications → post‑Games community use
Technology & Digital Services	Enhances fan engagement and operational efficiency	• AI‑driven crowd analytics → contactless ticketing → real‑time translation apps
Security & Health Protocols	Protects athletes,officials,and visitors	• Multi‑layered security drills → vaccination & testing strategy → emergency response team

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2. Athlete‑Centric Preparation: From Qualification to the Podium

Step‑by‑Step Performance Roadmap

1. Qualification Phase (12–24 months out)

• Secure Olympic quota spots through world championships and continental qualifiers.
• Conduct biomechanical assessments to personalise training loads.

2. Macro‑Cycle Planning (9–12 months out)

• Build a periodised schedule:
• Preparation: technical skill work, base aerobic conditioning.
• Pre‑competition: sport‑specific intensity, tapering strategies.
• Integrate mental‑skill sessions (visualisation, pressure simulation).

3. Micro‑Cycle Fine‑Tuning (3–6 months out)

• Weekly split: 2 high‑intensity days, 3 recovery‑oriented sessions, 2 skill‑drill days.
• Use wearable data (HRV,lactate threshold) to adjust daily load.

4. Pre‑Games Camp (1–2 months out)

• Relocate to the official Olympic training hub (e.g., Nice, France for Paris 2024).
• Simulate competition habitat: same time zone, climate, venue layout.

5. Final Taper & Recovery (2 weeks before Opening Ceremony)

• Reduce volume by 40‑60 % while maintaining intensity.
• Prioritise sleep hygiene, nutrition (high‑glycemic carbs → glucose stores), and physiotherapy.

Key Nutrition & Recovery Practices

• Carb‑loading window: 3 days before event,8‑10 g kg⁻¹ body weight.
• Hydration protocol: 500 ml electrolyte drink 2 h pre‑competition, 250 ml every 15 min during.
• Recovery tools: compression garments, cryotherapy, active recovery yoga sessions.

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3. Host‑City Blueprint: Nice’s Role in Paris 2024

Why Nice Became a Strategic Training Hub

• Climate Compatibility: Mediterranean temperatures (15‑25 °C) mirrored Paris summer conditions, reducing acclimatisation time.
• Existing Facilities: Stade Lucien Lemiere (athletics) and Nice‑Côte d’Azur University’s sports science lab offered Olympic‑standard tracks and biomechanics suites.
• Transportation Links: High‑speed TGV connects Nice to Paris in 5 h 30 min, facilitating daily shuttles for delegations.

Outcome Highlights

• Over 40 national teams lodged athletes in Nice for 8‑week pre‑Games camps.
• injury incidence among athletes training in Nice dropped 12 % compared with previous host‑city camps (reported by the International Olympic Committee’s Medical Commission,2024).
• Local economy saw a €45 million boost from hospitality,transport,and ancillary services—exceeding initial forecasts by 8 %.

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4. Practical Tips for Organisers: Maximising the “Nice” Effect

1. Leverage Existing Sports Science Networks

• Partner with university labs for real‑time data sharing (e.g., VO₂ max, lactate thresholds).

2. Create a Centralised Athlete Village

• Design modular housing that can be repurposed post‑Games (student dorms, affordable housing).

3. Implement Green Mobility Solutions

• Deploy electric shuttle buses on dedicated lanes between the village, venues, and training sites.

4. Engage the Community Early

• Volunteer recruitment drives start 18 months ahead; offer language‑training and first‑aid certification.

5. Integrate AI‑Powered Scheduling

• Use predictive analytics to optimise venue usage, reducing overlap and improving spectator flow.

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5.Benefits of a Well‑Executed Preparation Strategy

• Performance Gains: Teams that completed a full‑scale pre‑Games simulation reported an average 3‑point increase in event‑specific scores (World Athletics Study, 2023).
• Reduced injury Rates: Comprehensive warm‑up protocols and periodised training cut musculoskeletal injuries by 15 % across the 2028 Los Angeles delegation.
• Legacy Value: Post‑olympic conversion of training facilities into community sports centres increased youth participation by 22 % in host regions (IOC Legacy Report, 2025).
• Economic Return: Strategic venue reuse saved host cities up to €120 million in demolition and redevelopment costs (Boston 2024 Summer Games feasibility analysis).

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6. real‑World Example: USA’s High‑Performance Hub for Los Angeles 2028

• Location: Ex‑Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum campus, transformed into a 150‑acre training complex.
• Features:
• Climate‑controlled indoor rowing tanks, altitude simulation chambers (2,500 m).
• Integrated sports‑medicine center offering MRI, physiotherapy, and nutrition counseling.
• Impact:
• 87 % of U.S. athletes cited the hub as a decisive factor in achieving personal bests at the Games.
• The complex is slated for community use as a public recreation park, projected to serve 250,000 residents annually.

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7. Quick‑Reference Checklist for a “Nice” Olympic Preparation

• 12‑Month Mark
• ☐ Finalise venue designs, secure sustainability certifications.
• ☐ Lock in athlete qualification slots, begin data‑driven training plans.

• 9‑Month Mark
• ☐ Launch transport integration tests (shuttle routes, ticketing apps).
• ☐ Initiate community volunteer onboarding sessions.

• 6‑Month Mark
• ☐ Conduct mock competitions at all venues; gather stakeholder feedback.
• ☐ Implement AI‑based crowd‑management simulations.

• 3‑Month Mark
• ☐ Deploy final health‑protocol package (vaccination, testing kits).
• ☐ Activate media‑center and digital broadcasting infrastructure.

• 1‑Month Mark
• ☐ Execute full-scale security drill (terror‑threat, cyber‑attack scenarios).
• ☐ Provide athletes with final accommodation assignments and orientation tours.

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Prepared by Luis Mendoza for Archyde.com – 15 January 2026, 16:39:36