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Elfstedentocht (The Netherlands)
Frisian 11 cities skating marathon (Âlve stêddentocht)
Last modified: 2018-12-15 by rob raeside
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D.W. Visser, 18 August 2001
adopted 1996; design: Jan Tjerk Visser.
see also:
Frisian 11 City Skating marathon
On the homepage:
the background appears to be black, but according to Derkwillem Visser's
information it should be blue.
The flag of the “De Friesche Elf Steden” Association was designed
in 1996 by Jan Tjerk Visser, who works at the Dokkum Flag Centre, and has
been used by the Association since the members meeting of 1996.
Explanation of the design by the designer, Jan Tjerk Visser:
“In making the design of the association, I took as the basis the coat
of arms of the province of Friesland, using, among other things, the two
walking Frisian lions. This symbol, in my opinion, is an indispensable
part of the flag, especially for this association. The lion represents
strength, daring, difficult ordeal, bravery, heroism, etc. The 11-city
cross is also a vital symbol: highly coveted, distinctive and unique due
to its shape. As colours for the flag, I chose yellow and blue. These are
lively, striking colours, and very strong particularly in the winter season.
They are also colours that are specifically associated with Fryslân.
These colours make the flag stand out when it hangs next to the Frisian
provincial flag”.
Source: Elfstedencomité.
Jarig Bakker, 11 Jun 2003
Here is the route:
image from the Elfstedencomité.
It is c. 220 kilometers in length, mostly skating, sometimes walking
on skates. Enjoy your sufferings! Below are all flags of the 11 cities
Start: Ljouwert (Leeuwarden)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Thousands of people are put into huge cages; one cage after the other
is opened and off they go.
First stop: Snits (Sneek)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Not a lot to be seen: 't is pitch-dark.
Drylts (IJlst)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Drylts is only a few kilometers further.
Sleat (Sloten)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
This is the first terrible stage, after the passage of the Sleatermar.
A bit of dawn, however.
Starum (Stavoren)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Not a lot is known of this stage - still three quarters of the whole
distance to skate.
Hylpen (Hindelopen)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Just a few kilometers north (hey, what's this chick doing here!)
Warkum (Workum)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Hah, the stages become shorter, I feel great!
Boalsert (Bolsward)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
This was a long stage through ditches and canals, it's starting to hurt
a bit.
Harns (Harlingen)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Long stages where you had to "klún" (walk with skates).
Wonna give up?
Frjentsjer (Franeker)
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
You're nearly there, and in Frjentsjer the party is in full swing!
Bartlehiem
image from Ralf
Hartemink's website.
Drats, just passed a desert of ice and snow, and here's millions of
people: that bridge will collapse!
Dokkum
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Life is hell! 30 kilometers to go, but by heck: I'll make it!
Bartlehiem
image from Ralf
Hartemink's website.
What? Here again? The bridge is still there, now go for it! Ten kilometers
to skate for my Elfstedenkruisje (but I know a second-hand shop...)
Finish in Ljouwert
Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.flagchart.net
Finish on the Bonkevaart, the Dutch Queen is watching, all TV-channels
in the Netherlands, Belgium and Nauru are directed at your brave efforts.
Bravo!