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Postma falls at European speed skating championships

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Posted: Friday January 08, 1999 02:06 PM

Slip up: Postma's chances of winning the European championship tumbled to the ice with him Mike Powell/Allsport

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (Reuters) -- World speed skating champion Ids Postma's hopes of winning the European title were almost certainly dashed when he fell on the opening day of the championships on Friday.

The Dutchman fell at the second bend of the 500 meters event.

Defending champion Rintje Ritsma won in 36.74 seconds from German Christian Breuer and fellow Dutchman Martin Hersmen.

Norwegian Olympic 1,500 meters champion Adne Soendral was disqualified after two false starts.

 

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