Of course the Argentine speed skating world was shocked as well by the latest
ISU-communications, but in spite of that we managed to arrange the first day of
the Argentine sprint championships at the famous Laguna Victoria 30km east of
Ushuaia. Unfortunately the conditions were far from favourable. The last seven
days no sub-zero temperatures have been registered, so the ice at the lake was
extremely soft and flooded with water.



Nevertheless the skaters wanted to race - and we could understand as live here
is being tackled by the Influenza-epidemia - leading to the complete closedown
of schools and public indoor events. So we are lucky speed skating in this part
of the world is still an outdoor sport - although quite wet today (showers and
temps. raising to plus 5). The 1000 meter for men was considered too dangerous
and postponed until tomorrow, as we will start as early as daylight will allow
us, to take advantage of the possible frost from tonight.



The results of the 1st day:

men

Jose Fazio 1.02,2 (1)

Juan Gutierrez 1.12,0 (2)

Gaston Chaves 1.23,9 (3)

Agustin Soņes 1.41,0 (4) 3.09,0 (uk)

Federico Chaves dis (f, dnf)

ladies

Lucila Alvarenga 1.19,3 (1) 2.47,7 (1)

Luciana Sosa 1.39,9 (2) 3.12,9 (2)

Magali Coronel 1.43,2 (3) 3.57,6 (3)

Agustina Torres dis (f, dnf)



let{s hope for the better tomorrow!

Some good news to finish: the new artificial 30x60 outdoor rink is nearly
completed - so short track speed skating is about to be introduced!



Marnix



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