THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Climate change has put the prospect of an actual new edition of the iconic Elfstedentocht skating race over frozen canals and lakes on thin ice, but the Netherlands on Friday relished the drama of the competition from 1985 — on TV.The Dutch public broadcaster NOS was re-airing the 12-hour showing of the grueling 135-mile 11-cities tour in the northern province of Friesland on its 40th anniversary.The race involves thousands of ice skaters leaving in the pre-dawn cold, with perhaps only 100 with a shot at victory and the rest just hoping to finish.The last time the Netherlands held the event was 1997, and as average temperatures rise, the likelihood of another Elfstedentocht melts. On Friday the noon temperature in the finishing town Leeuwarden stood at 14C (57F). The prospect of the 1985 competition had the country in turmoil. Initially the race was set for Jan. 20 but was canceled after a thaw. After nearly a month of anticipation, and with only three days’ notice, organizers announced the race was on for Feb. 21, with …
