Kai Verbij has joined Team Kafra, Jutta Leerdam’s skating team. The thirty-year-old from Hoogmade had been without a team for over a year and last competed in February 2024.
Leerdam announced the news on Tuesday via her Instagram account. She shared a photo of herself posing with Verbij and Ted Dalrymple, who is also joining Team Kafra. “Added Two Guys to My Team,” the message read.
Leerdam and Verbij know each other from their time together at Team Jumbo-Visma. Verbij left that team in February 2024 because he opted for a sabbatical. This seemed to end the career of Verbij, who is a two-time world champion in the 1,000 meters.
Last October, Verbij returned. He started training with Johan de Wit’s team, without actually joining the team. A return to competition level did not materialize. Presumably, Verbij will still aim for a return to competition with Leerdam’s team.
The two skaters can also be seen as sparring partners for Leerdam in her preparation for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan. The 26-year-old Dutchwoman hopes to win Olympic gold in Italy next year in the 1,000 meters.
Verbij and Dalrymple can debut for Team Kafra at the Dutch National Distance Championships at the end of October. Two months later, the Olympic qualifying tournament (OKT) will be held to compete for tickets to the Games.