The first skater to arrive in Korea was New Zealand’s Kalon Dobbin who arrived with Scott Arlidge, Reyon Kay and his brother Shane Dobbin. Another skater that also arrived very early was the Belgian speedster Wouter Hebbrecht (he obtained two silver medals at the Europeans in Cassano d´Adda recently) that this year will look to do the big jump into the word-wide elite on the short distances.

Many athletes have chosen to arrive early in Anyang due to the time change from their home country.

¨The track is quite special, but I think it will make for some very fast and exciting racing. The Korean skaters are very good on it. The road also looks very fast with a big corner just before the finish which makes it hard¨ said Scott Arlidge.

The Korean team is preparing to host a great championships and promise to be a surprise. In the last Korean Trials Championships some athletes showed that they are in great conditions to medal at Worlds. The event will boast a fantastic organizing committee, record number of participating countries, thousands of spectators, and live TY coverage.

¨The facility looks very professional and the Korean people are very warm and welcoming. I think it will be a very popular championship. It is also live on television¨ said Arlidge.