Empress of Amsterdam hopes for a new Keizersrace: “It was a dream race”
Frozen canals, about 25,000 people and a real Amsterdam atmosphere. Exactly ten years ago, Annette Gerritsen won the Keizersrace and became Empress of Amsterdam. “It was so special.”
Gerritsen often thinks back to 11 February 2012, when she became champion in the Keizersrace in her own city. “I was at the start and was really looking around me. There were just people everywhere,” she recalls. “Everywhere there was one known in the public.”
Organizer Wim Bohnenn is especially hectic at the skating festival. “The straw bales have to be put on the ice, the security, an office has to be put on the ice, the pre-registration, a machine to tow the track, the ice masters from the Jaap Edenbaan have to come, the first aid, the fire brigade can be . And all in two days.”
magic day
Both fervently hope that another Keizersrace can be held. “We already have the script ready,” says Bohnenn. “Everything is ready, but I think it will be swimming this year.” Gerritsen: “Then I’ll just be there. I don’t know how fast I will be by then, but I’ll get through the first ten meters.”
Keizersgracht resident Marlies Smit often looks back on that magical day with nostalgia, because not only the race, but also the party around it was memorable, according to her. She talks about experiences in her video.