Tucker Fredricks Secures 500m Overall World Cup Title

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (March 13, 2010) The Essent ISU World Cup Final continued today in Heerenveen, with Tucker Fredricks (Janesville, WI) securing the Overall World Cup Title in the Mens 500m. Fredricks finished fourth with a time of 35.44, 0.39 behind today’s winner Jan Smeekens (NED). 

 “Tucker skated very strong yesterday. We were hoping for another podium today but he avoided two nears falls in today’s race.  Winning the Overall title was a nice way to cap off the World Cup season, “ said US Speedskating Head Coach Ryan Shimabukuro.

In the Ladies 500m Heather Richardson (High Point, NC) finished eighth, and Elli Ochowicz (Palo Alto, CA) finished 11th.  The future looks bright for Richardson as she is among the youngest skaters in the field and has shown consistently strong performances this season.

Jennifer Rodriguez (Miami, FL) fought hard in today’s 1500m event, however the lack of ice time due to her injured ankle caught up with her on the last lap. Rodriguez pulled off a 13th place finish and currently sits in ninth in the World Cup standings.  The 1500m was a great training race for Rodriguez’ 1000m race tomorrow. Jilleanne Rookard (Woodhaven, MI) finished today’s 1500m in 17th place.

World Cup Racing continues on Sunday, March 14 in Heerenveen, Netherlands. For complete results visit www.usspeedskating.org.