During the very last race in the speedski season Merijn crashed with a speed over 200 km/h. The Speed Masters held 24 and 25 April 2009 in Verbier-Nendaz is one of the fastest races in the world. Merijn qualified 3rd the previous day with a speed of 203 km/h and his chances for the podium were very realistic. During his run in the semi-finals Merijn suddenly lost his right ski, just 150 meters to go to the finish line (see video). According to Merijn wind or wind blown snow was the reason for his crash. Merijn suffers minor injuries like burns, bruises and some torn muscles in his right shoulder. "Before I even realised I crashed, I felt the heat of the friction with the snow on my body. All I was thinking of was to get on my back protector to protect myself from major burns on my body! What a relief that the protector was working and literally saved my ass!" says Merijn.