Canadian speed skaters are off to a good start Friday at the world allround championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands. 
 
Denny Morrison of Fort St. John, B.C., finished second in the men's 500 metres, while multiple Olympic medallist Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg was third in the women's event.

Erben Wennemars of the Netherlands had the fans flapping their orange scarves as he took first place in the 500 in a time of 35.79 seconds. Morrison crossed in 35.81, while American Shani Davis was third in 35.84.

Canada's Denny Morrison, seen in action at a World Cup event last weekend in Italy, took second place in the men's 500 metres Friday at the world allround speed skating championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands.
(Massimo Pinca/Associated Press)

Klassen, who captured five medals at the Torino Olympics last February, finished behind Germany's Anni Friesinger and Dutch favourite Ireen Wust. 

Friesinger, the overall World Cup points leaders, clocked a time of 38.38, while Wust skated a personal best of 38.44 and Klassen came in at 38.68. 

To win the overall crowns at the championships, skaters must post the lowest combined times in four distances (500, 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 metres) over the two days of races.