Seven years after he last won the prestige event, Sven Kramer has taken the 10,000 metres gold medal at the world speed skating championships in Kolomna, Russia.

‘I always believed I could, otherwise I would not have been here. But it is great to have done it,’ Kramer, 29, said after the race.

Kramer took the title in a time of 12,56.77, three seconds ahead of Canadian world record holder Ted-Jan Bloemen. The bronze medal went to Dutchman Erik Jan Kooiman.

Women’s event

Meanwhile, Ireen Wüst lost out on the 3,000 metre title to arch rival Martina Sábliková of the Czech Republic by 0.08 seconds. Wüst was out of action in the early part of the season and has not yet fully regained her form, broadcaster Nos said.

Antoinette de Jong, who is just 20 and was making her debut at the world championships, took the bronze medal.

Friday’s competition starts with the women’s 1,000 metres, followed by the men’s 1,500 meters, the women’s 5,000 metres and the men’s team pursuit.

The Dutch have won seven of the last eight team pursuit titles but Kramer is not taking part this year, to concentrate on the 5,000 metre title.