The international skating union ISU has approved plans to introduce skating derbies to the Netherlands, on condition that gambling is banned.

The first Dutch Icederby Grand Prix will take place in the Gelredome in Arnhem in March next year. In the event, long and short track skaters will compete against each other over a 220 metre track. The races will be mass start and the teams will be mixed.

The Dutch skating association KNSB is working with South Korean company Icederby Int’L to organize the event. The aim is to promote skating to a wider audience.

‘This is an important step to eradicating the monopoly held by international sports bodies,’ former speed skater Mark Tuiter told website Nu.nl. ‘It clears the way for new initiatives from commercial associations.’

Although the Netherlands dominates in international speed skating races, the audience in the Netherlands remains limited and the introduction of the ice derby events is being seen as one way to try to boost its popularity.