Late Elfsteden chairman Kroes saw eternal value in the words 'it giet oan'

Henk Kroes, the former chairman of the Vereniging de Friesche Elfsteden who passed away yesterday, announced the fifteenth—and so far last—Elfstedentocht in 1997 with the famous words: 'It giet oan'. The tour took place without major problems. Henk Angenent won after a thrilling final sprint against Erik Hulzebosch on the Bonkevaart. A satisfied Kroes stood at the finish line to place the winner's wreath over Angenent's shoulders.