Dutch see famous ice skating race melt away

Warming temps mean event is likely only every 18 years, agency reports.

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Global warming is taking a heavier toll than previously thought on a grueling 120-mile speedskating marathon over frozen rivers and canals linking 11 towns in northern Holland. A study published Friday by the respected Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency said the race is likely to be held only once every 18 years because of higher winter temperatures. Three years ago, it estimated the likelihood at once every 10 years.