KNSB Talent Team

At Vechtsebanen, the short track speed skaters are laying the foundation for their elite sports careers. Together, they push themselves to the limit, under the guidance of coach and trainer Niels Loos and assistant coach Hessel Koot. Every workday, they train early in the morning and often in the afternoon as well: it's a varied program of strength, jumping, and speed skating exercises. The group trains primarily on the 111-meter track and also regularly plays the Vechtsebanen long track. 

Striving for development under the leadership of Niels Lo

Niels Loos has been the team's head coach since the 2024-2025 season. Prior to that, Niels worked for the team for four years as an assistant coach. After completing his Physical Education teacher training, Niels focused on providing comprehensive training to the talented short track skaters at the KTT. Besides short track, the team is also busy developing in other areas, such as nutrition, elite athletic performance, and executive function. As head coach, Niels strives for maximum development for Dutch short track skaters. "Together, we're pushing each other's limits!" The skaters are between 15 and 20 years old and all dream of a spot on the national short track team. Or even beyond that – perhaps Olympic gold?

A Breeding Ground for Talent

Top athletes from the national team, such as Xandra Velzeboer, Michelle Velzeboer, Selma Poutsma, Jens van 't Wout, Bram Steenaart, Friso Emons, Melle van 't Wout, Kay Huisman and Diede van Oorschot all had their talent training at KTT-Midden-Oost at the Vechtsebanen. Xandra Velzeboer and Selma Poutsma have already been able to realize their dream and can call themselves Olympic Champions! Moreover, Xandra Velzeboer became world champion 3 times at the last World Championships in Seoul and also holds the world record for the 500 meters! In addition to their short track program, the KTT-ers all follow a (social) education. The youngest at a secondary school, the others at a MBO, HBO or university. Combining this with a top sports career requires a lot of planning skills, discipline and perseverance.

All skaters meet the KNSB selection criteria and have NOC*NSF status. De Vechtsebanen is incredibly proud that the KTT Short Track Speed ​​Skating team trains and develops here at the ice rink in Utrecht.