Thanks. I remember watching a news segment here on the Elfstedentocht some time last year, saying it was being moved because the canals in Holland no longer ice over. To somewhere in Germany? Can't remember. So sad.
Edit: Had to see if my memory was correct. Not quite. The race in Austria (not Germany) is an unofficial alternative event, but still attracts many Dutch skaters. The Elfstedentocht is not an annual event but takes place only when conditions are right.