Last time out in Salt Lake City in 2018 the Dutch finished top of the medals table with six golds, led by Joy Beune who won four across the women's individual events.

The teenager, now 19, won the women's 1,000 metres, 1,500m, 3,000m and the all-round event.

This year's Championships at the outdoor Ice Rink Piné will officially begin tomorrow with the Opening Ceremony at 10.25am local time, before racing begins in the 500m and 1,500m for both men and women.

In all, racing will take place over three days until Sunday (February 17) at 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m and 3,000m as well as in the all-round.

There will also be mass start, team pursuit and team sprint races for men and women.

The Netherlands will enter as defending champions in all of Beune's events as well as the women's team pursuit and team sprint.

This year's hosts Italy only won two bronze medals in Salt Lake City, in the men's overall and women's mass start, through Francesco Betti and Laura Peveri.

In all 14 gold medals will be up for grabs across the three days.