Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer has won the World Championships Allround for the fourth time in a row at the Thialf stadium in Heerenveen.

In the final 10 kilometre race, the Kramer beat his only remaining rival to the title American Jonathan Kuck. Norwegian Havard Bökko came third.

Fourth, fifth and seventh places went to Dutch skaters Ted-Jan Bloemen, Jan Blokhuijsen and Wouter Olde Heuvel.

This is the first time a speed skater has won the world championships four times running. At the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Sven Kramer was disqualified in the 10 kilomtre race, when he changed into the wrong lane following instructions from his coach. He was a strong favourite to win the race.

Dutch skater Rintje Ritsma and Norwegian Ivar Ballangrund both won the title four times but not in consecutive years.

Norwegian Oscat Mathisen and Finn Clas Thunberg have each won the title five times during their careers.

Czech skater Martina Sablikova has won the women’s Allround title after she built up a good lead in the five kilometre race. Canadian Karen Groves ended in second place and Dutch hope Ireen Wüst came third for the second time in a row.

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