The Netherlands had taken all 16 previous titles over the longest distance and Kramer ensured that the country's remarkable record remained intact with a winning time of 12 min 56.77 sec.

Thirty-year-old Kramer, a triple Olympic gold medallist, was a three-time winner of the 10,000m with his success today bringing a 16th gold medal for him in all at the World Single Distances.

His main challenger before the day was Canada's world record holder Ted-Jan Bloemen but he was 2.92 behind and had to settle for second place.

Had Bloemen won, it would have in theory ended the Dutch record in the event but the Calgary resident was born in The Netherlands.

Bronze also went to the Dutch as Erik Jan Kooiman was clocked at 13:02.15.

The only other title to be contested on day one was the women's 3,000m and the competition went with the form book as Martina Sáblíková of the Czech Republic claimed the title.

After winning all five international 3,000m races this season - four World Cups and the European Championships - the 28-year-old was heavy favourite and the triple Olympic champion wasn't to be upset as she finished in 4:03.05.

The remainder of the podium saw two more medals for the Dutch, as Ireen Wüst took silver just 0.08 behind the champion.

Bronze was won by Antoinette de Jong in 4:04.25.

The action continues tomorrow with the women's 1,000m and 5,000m, as well as the men's 1,500m and team pursuit.

Qualification for the Championships was based on the results of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating events that took place in November and December 2015.