Berlin, 21st September 2024 – In just one week, the much-anticipated final of the WORLD INLINE CUP will take place. This year is particularly special as it marks the 25th season of the world’s largest speed skating marathon series. On Saturday, 28 September, thousands of skaters from all over the world will gather in Berlin for the grand finale of the season.
This year’s WORLD INLINE CUP has seen exhilarating races across Funchal (Portugal) on 2 June, Rennes (France) on 9 June, Harbin (China) on 10 August, and Bern (Switzerland) on 17 August. Now, all eyes are on Berlin for the season finale, where top athletes will compete for the title at the world's largest inline skating marathon. The excitement doesn't end there; the season will conclude with the WORLD INLINE CUP Associated Race in Sarasota (USA) on 27 October, though this event will not impact the overall rankings.
Decisions for the 2024 Overall Winners still to be Made:
The race to crown the overall winners in both the men’s , women’s and team’s categories remains open, with the final showdown in Berlin determining the champions.
In the women’s competition, Lianne Van Loon (NED, DOUBLEff World Inline Team) currently leads the standings with 345 points, followed by Aura Quintana Herrera (COL, SPSPSK World Team) at 293 points, and Jorun Geerts (BEL, DOUBLEff World Inline Team) with 292 points. The final race is bound to be an intense battle between these top contenders. Gabriela Rueda (COL), the 2023 Berlin Marathon winner and reigning world champion in Senior Women 10,000 m Points and Elimination, is also expected to compete, adding even more excitement to the event.
On the men’s side, Felix Rijhnen (GER, Powerslide Racing Team) leads the rankings with 275 points. Close behind is Julio Mirena (PAR, SheaStokes Inline Speed) with 256 points, followed by Bart Swings (BEL, Powerslide Racing Team) with 246 points. Swings, a multiple world champion this year in Senior Men 10,000 m Points and 5,000 m Points, will be one of the top contenders to watch. Jason Suttels (BEL), ranked fifth with 224 points, and Juan Jacobo Mantilla (COL), a world champion in the Senior Men 15,000 m and 10,000 m Elimination races, will also make their mark on the streets of Berlin.
In the women’s team competition, the DOUBLEff World Inline Team leads with an impressive 845 points, followed by the SPSPSK World Team with 537 points and Powerslide Racing Team at 295 points. This year’s rankings have seen a strong showing from DOUBLEff, a change from last year’s competition where the EOSkates World Team was a key contender.
In the men’s team rankings, the Powerslide Racing Team once again dominates with 677 points, mirroring their success from 2023. They are followed by SheaStokes Inline Speed with 537 points and NL-Premium at 198 points. The Rollerblade World Team, currently ranked fourth, will be looking to secure a podium spot, competing against strong teams such as the BONT Europe Team.
Looking Forward to a Special 25th Anniversary in Berlin
“This 25th season has been an incredible journey, with top-tier competitions in Portugal, France, China, and Switzerland. We’re expecting an exciting and memorable finale in Berlin,” said Volker Schlichting, Executive Director of the WORLD INLINE CUP. “We’re grateful to all the organizers and athletes for their dedication and look forward to celebrating the end of the season with fast races and an electric atmosphere.”
The presentation of the Overall winners will take place at the after-race party, where the top three men, women and teams will be recognized in a celebratory atmosphere. Further details about the exact timing of the presentations will be announced closer to the event.
Additional WIC Race in 2024
The WORLD INLINE CUP Associated Race will take place on 27 October 2024 in Sarasota, USA. While this race is not part of the overall ranking, it remains a significant event on the WIC calendar.
