Why the New “Hybrid” Speed Skating Suit Is Turning Heads
The latest generation of speed‑skating apparel – dubbed the “hybrid” suit – promises an aerodynamic edge of up to eight percent, according to its designers. Yet the same design that slices drag also makes the garment unusually fragile, forcing Dutch technicians to spend hours every day in the Italian ice‑hall’s makeshift sewing studio.
How the hybrid suit works
Designer Bert van der Tuuk explains that the suit consists of two layers on the arms and legs. The inner layer is pulled tight enough that a skater needs about fifteen minutes to dress. One centimetre apart, vertical ribs are molded into the fabric. A second, even tighter layer wraps around the first, creating a “drum‑skin” effect between the ribs.
When a skater reaches speeds between 20 km/h and 90 km/h, the tiny “drum skins” vibrate, generating turbulent air that reduces overall drag. In theory, this translates into a measurable speed boost.
Durability challenges on the ice
Because the outer fabric is deliberately thin, it is highly susceptible to punctures from sharp nail spikes and the inevitable falls that happen during high‑speed races. “It’s a difficult balance,” van der Tuuk admits. “The suit is tight and light, but thinner is not automatically stronger.”
Polish technician Ewa Kupis works alongside van der Tuuk, constantly checking that the correct colour thread is used – “we don’t want a Polish skater showing up with an orange arm.” The team repairs every tear, whether ten or twelve per tournament, ensuring each athlete leaves the rink in a pristine outfit.
Who’s already wearing the hybrid suit?
The Dutch squad has been the most visible user, but the suit is not exclusive to the Netherlands. Italian skater Riccardo Lorello claimed bronze in the men’s 5 000 m even as dressed in the hybrid kit, and Canadian and Italian women’s medalists – Francesca Lollobrigida (gold) and Valérie Maltais (bronze) – also wore it in the 3 000 m event.
Norwegian athletes run a different version produced by van der Tuuk’s own company, showing that the technology is spreading across the sport.
What the future may hold
Given the current trade‑off between aerodynamics and durability, the next wave of suits will likely focus on materials that retain the ultra‑thin profile while offering greater tear resistance. Innovations such as nanofibre composites or reinforced polymer blends are already being explored in other high‑speed sports and could soon appear on the ice.
Testing methods will also evolve. While wind‑tunnel tests work well on straight sections, designers are looking for ways to simulate the rapid direction changes and impact forces typical of a race – perhaps through advanced computer‑fluid‑dynamics (CFD) modelling combined with on‑ice sensor data.
Did you know?
The outer layer of the hybrid suit is so thin that a single misplaced nail spike can create a hole the size of a thumbnail.
Pro tip for fans
If you’re following the next Winter Games, retain an eye on the colour of the skaters’ sleeves. A mismatched thread could be a clue that a last‑minute repair just took place.
FAQ
- What is the claimed speed advantage of the hybrid suit?
- Designers say the suit can be up to eight percent faster than traditional outfits.
- Why do the suits tear so often?
- The outer fabric is intentionally incredibly thin to minimise drag, making it vulnerable to sharp spikes and falls.
- Which countries are currently using the hybrid suit?
- The Netherlands, Italy, Canada, and Norway have athletes competing in the hybrid kit.
- Can the suit be repaired during a competition?
- Yes – van der Tuuk and Kupis perform on‑the‑spot sewing to fix any damage before the next heat.
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Read more about Dutch speed‑skating stars and their equipment on our Speed Skating Technology page. For a deeper dive into the athletes behind the suits, see the Chris Huizinga Wikipedia profile.
