The backstretch in long track speed skating plays a crucial role in the dynamics of races, where skaters must exchange lanes while adhering to specific rules to avoid interference.
According to reports on ISU Skating, during classical long track speed skating events, races are conducted as time trials with two skaters on the ice simultaneously, each occupying a designated lane. These skaters switch lanes on the backstretch, the straight section opposite the start-finish line, to cover the same distance.
Each skater is identified by an armband: the inner lane skater wears white, and the outer lane skater wears red. Typically, this lane exchange is smooth due to the ample space available. However, when skaters arrive at the backstretch side-by-side, the skater in the outside lane has priority because they are ahead in the race. In longer distances such as 3000 meters and above, skaters anticipate potential interference by adjusting their speed before the backstretch to ensure a safe lane change.
Shorter distances such as the 1000 and 1500 meters see more frequent close encounters at the backstretch, making it difficult for skaters to hold back without losing time. This can sometimes result in collisions. An incident at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina involved Dutch skater Joep Wennemars and Chinese skater Lian Ziwen during the 1000m event, where Lian failed to yield to Wennemars who was on the outside lane, leading to a collision. Lian was disqualified, and Wennemars was allowed a re-skate but ultimately finished fifth due to fatigue from the closely timed races.
While the backstretch can cause challenges, some skaters use it strategically. Kjeld Nuis, a double Olympic 1500m champion from the Netherlands, studies his opponents carefully and adapts his race tactics accordingly. In the 1500m, where lane exchanges occur three times, Nuis often positions himself to chase opponents effectively during the backstretch sections to gain an advantage. He considers facing fast starters such as Ning Zhongyan beneficial as it allows him to leverage the backstretch to maintain competitive pressure.
Overall, the rules governing the backstretch prioritize safety and fairness, with the outer lane skater given precedence during lane changes. Skaters must balance strategic positioning with adherence to these regulations to optimize their performance in races.
