Few speed skaters generated as much discussion as Bosker leading up to the Milan tournament. The Team Reggeborgh skater was selected for the Games specifically for the team pursuit, a decision that came at the expense of Tim Prins. This controversial choice by the KNSB selection committee even led to threats directed at some of the key figures involved.

Bosker's selection also granted him a spot in the 5000 meters, and the lead-up to that race sparked further controversy. He notably did not receive the helmet promised by the skating federation, prompting a strong public outcry from him. Bosker eventually retracted his statements, but the incident certainly caused a stir.

'That makes it even more bitter'

In an interview with Sportnieuws.nl, Timmer suggests that these various issues contributed to Bosker's eleventh-place finish in the 5000 meters: "I think the accumulated pressure played a significant role. He's naturally a thoughtful individual, and then with the helmet saga... It just wasn't his race, nor his tournament."

According to the three-time Olympic champion, Bosker's performance will be an additional blow for the sidelined Prins. "Naturally, you'd want to see this guy perform well, and his struggles just make it all the more bitter."

Team Pursuit

Later in the tournament, Bosker will compete in the team pursuit alongside Chris Huizinga and Stijn van de Bunt, who finished seventh and ninth in the 5000 meters, respectively. "Let's hope they can secure medals there. They'll need to have a few more discussions with the national coach (Rintje Ritsma, ed.). They need to accept the loss and see if they can channel all their energy into that event."

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