Tour of 1917

For the third time in 9 years, the starting gun for the Elfstedentocht was fired, and the number of participants had risen to 153 riders. Of these, 45 participated in the race, while the other 108 joined the recreational tour. The day before, former world champion skater Coen De Koning had planned to travel to the national championships in Veendam, but when he learned that his rival Jan Ferwerda was participating in the tour, De Koning quickly registered as well.

The race

Despite the favourable winter weather, the ice was not in great condition. The sudden frost, combined with strong winds, had made the ice bumpy. Immediately after the start, De Koning took the lead, pushing the pace and causing the participants to quickly split into groups. The leading group, of which he was a part, arrived in Dokkum at 6:12 a.m. Driven by the thought of winning, De Koning skated even faster in the darkness and light snowfall. Sjoerd Swierstra managed to stay close behind De Koning for a long time. The two were skating much faster than in 1912 and surprised timekeepers in Franeker and Harlingen. The following cities were warned about their earlier-than-expected arrival. The time gap between the two men also increased. By Hindeloopen there was already a 15-minute difference.

Sloten was known for its excellent pea soup, and some riders had deliberately delayed their meals. They were disappointed because it was wartime and there was little available. As compensation, Frisian sausage and glasses of whipped eggs were handed out. In Sloten, 18 guides were ready to help the riders navigate over the Morra, Fluessen, and Sloterlake. The guides carried rescue equipment and lanterns—essential tools to avoid getting lost. At 2:53 p.m., De Koning triumphantly entered Leeuwarden with a significant lead, accompanied by his guide Jan Poepjes, who had assisted him from Sloten.

Janna van der Weg was the first female participant of 1917 to reach the finish line in Leeuwarden.