Dutch skaters clinched three medals at the first day of the world speed skating championships in Calgary, Canada on Thursday, with Irene Schouten taking gold in the 3,000 metres and defending champion Patrick Roest retaining the 5,000 metre title.

The Dutch men’s team took silver in the team sprint, finishing second to the home team, both in a world record time.

But there was disappointment for the women, who had been one of the favourites to take their sprint title and finished in fourth place after a poor start. Canada took the gold, followed by the US and Poland.

On Friday, Dutch skaters will be in action again in the team pursuit events and men’s and women’s 500 metres. The championships, which include 14 events in all, run until Sunday.