Mass start
ISU · 2026Mass start brings skaters together without separate racing lanes. Its opening lap is controlled: accelerating before the distinct release signal is forbidden. Serious obstruction, deliberately blocking or pushing another skater can lead to disqualification. Lapped skaters must leave the race as required by the announced competition rules.
The rule
Mass start brings skaters together without separate racing lanes. Its opening lap is controlled: accelerating before the distinct release signal is forbidden. Serious obstruction, deliberately blocking or pushing another skater can lead to disqualification. Lapped skaters must leave the race as required by the announced competition rules.
In practice
Where intermediate sprints are used, sprint points determine the ranking, with final finishing order breaking points ties. The prescribed points system protects the top final finishers’ podium positions. A skater who does not finish loses the benefit of intermediate points. Senior and junior championship points schedules differ, so use the applicable event format rather than assuming one universal table. For senior championships and World Cups, intermediate sprints award 3, 2, 1 points; the final awards 60, 40, 20, 10, 6, 3.
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